Wildlife

Black-browed Albatross Welfare: Longline Bycatch near Falklands

The black-browed albatross, breeding mainly on the Falkland Islands, faces severe welfare impacts from longline fishing bycatch in the South Atlantic.

Key Facts

The Falkland Islands host around 70% of the world's black-browed albatross population
They are listed as Least Concern globally but sub-populations face significant pressure
Longline fishing vessels kill thousands of albatrosses annually through incidental bycatch
Bycatch causes prolonged drowning or physical injury on longlines before death

Welfare Considerations

Albatrosses diving for bait on longline hooks become snagged and drown, a highly aversive welfare event. Birds that survive hook injuries may be unable to feed or breed normally. The welfare impact of bycatch extends to dependent chicks that starve when parents fail to return. Mitigation measures such as bird-scaring lines, weighted lines and night-setting reduce bycatch substantially.

What You Can Do

Choose seafood certified under schemes requiring bycatch mitigation measures
Support the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP)
Advocate for mandatory bycatch mitigation on all South Atlantic longline fleets
Donate to seabird conservation organisations working with fisheries on bycatch reduction