Cutting-edge Strategies for Seabird Conservation
Hundreds of thousands of seabirds are the victims of unintentional bycatch each year when they are hooked or ensnared in fishing lines or nets. Different fishing techniques require different fixes, but the problem of bycatch can be solved. Sometimes there are simple, yet innovative, tools that help prevent birds from accessing fishing lines. They often involve stopping seabirds from spotting bait on hooks in the first place by operating at night, increasing the speed of the deployment and sink rates of hooks, or using deterrents to keep birds clear of hooks and lines.
ABC partner Giovanny Suárez Espín developed the NISURI device, which reduces bycatch to near zero in bottom longline fisheries by speeding up the time it takes to deploy hundreds of baited hooks. Mahi-mahi fishing can be made safer for seabirds by affixing weights to lines. Even using a visual deterrent, like streamers hung from the sides of a fishing boat, can keep birds at bay and safe from baited hooks. We also work with fisheries to help prevent overfishing and encourage the public to build demand for sustainably sourced seafood.
