Reducing Seabird Mortality in Fisheries
Seabird avoidance measures developed and tested by Washington Sea Grant in collaboration with industry have drastically reduced seabird mortalities in Alaska longline fisheries. These measures have been incorporated into Alaskan and other regulations; however, more research and education efforts are needed.
On an international level, WSG is promoting a coordinated effort to curb the accidental capture of seabirds. Few countries require seabird avoidance measures, and mortalities of far-ranging albatrosses and petrels in the extensive longline and trawl fleets throughout the world’s oceans continue to threaten these species. Past and current WSG-initiated projects have addressed this issue globally.
Contacts
- Edward F. Melvin, Marine Fisheries Scientist, 206.543.9968, emelvin@u.washington.edu
Related Publications
- Alaska Trawl Fisheries: Potential Interactions with North Pacific Albatrosses (3.5MB PDF*)
- Fish/Fisheries Management: Off the Hook (video)
- Solutions to Seabird Bycatch in Alaska's Demersal Longline Fisheries
- Solving Seabird Bycatch in Alaskan Fisheries: a Case Study in Collaborative Research (180 KB PDF*)
- Seabird Avoidance Measures for Small Alaskan Longline Vessels (160 PDF*)
More Information
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