Environmental News Network - Study Finds Reduction in Seabird Bycatch Since 2002, but Researchers Urge Vigilance as Rates Rising

Details: By Oregon State University; 20.Feb

A collaborative effort among the fishing industry, scientists and resource managers has led to a significant reduction in seabird bycatch in Alaskan longline fisheries since 2002, a new study documents, but researchers say that bycatch incidents are now increasing.

Mohammad Munshed

A collaborative effort among the fishing industry, scientists and resource managers has led to a significant reduction in seabird bycatch in Alaskan longline fisheries since 2002, a new study documents, but researchers say that bycatch incidents are now increasing.

Scientists involved in the effort are unsure of whether the birds – which include the highly endangered short-tailed albatross – have adjusted to the new fishing techniques, or may be seeking new food sources as a consequence of changes in climate or prey availability.

Results of the study have been accepted in the journal Conservation Biology and have been published online.

“We have seen a continued increase in seabird bycatch, especially albatross, in Alaskan longline fisheries, with one of the recent years after our study the highest since 2002,” said Robert “Rob” Suryan, a wildlife specialist at Oregon State University and research ecologist at the NOAA Fisheries Alaska Fisheries Science Center. “We’re not sure if it’s a lack of natural food and more aggressive feeding at boats, or habituation to the deterrents.

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Study Finds Reduction in Seabird Bycatch Since 2002, but Researchers Urge Vigilance as Rates Rising