The role of science and advocacy in the conservation of Southern Ocean albatrosses at sea

Abstract

Mortality of albatrosses (and petrels) as bycatch in longline fisheries is one of the most important and pervasive sources of mortality for many species and is often closely linked to observed population declines. In the area of the Southern Ocean managed by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), which includes the waters around South Georgia, Prince Edward Islands, Iles Crozet and Kerguelen (the most important sub-Antarctic breeding sites for many albatross - and petrel - species), such bycatch was reduced to negligible levels (in demographic terms) over the last decade. The process by which this was achieved, in terms of data, policy and practice, together with an assessment of the main drivers and obstacles, is described. The extent to which the CCAMLR example is a model for other Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) (and even for states with jurisdiction in relevant coastal waters) is assessed. Some current actions and priorities for further action in relation to seabird bycatch are summarised.