Seabird deaths from fishing plummet after new conservation rules introduced
Seabird deaths from surface longline fishing have dropped dramatically following the introduction of new conservation measures.
Surface longline fishing vessels caught only seven birds in three months this year, down from 167 birds in the same period during 2024. The sharp decline suggests that new conservation rules may be having a significant impact on reducing seabird mortality in the fishing fleet.
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Seabird deaths plummet in fleet subject to conservation rules, but rise overall
In 2024, surface longline fishing vessels caught 167 birds in three months. This year, it was just seven. New conservation rules may have played a role.