Seabird Bycatch in Alaska
Washington Sea Grant is a leader in developing techniques and education materials for reducing seabird bycatch in U.S. North Pacific fisheries, ultimately helping to protect vulnerable seabird populations.
Ed Melvin, Affiliate Assistant Professor, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
Longline fishing often results in incidental capture of seabirds, presenting a major threat, especially to the endangered short-tailed albatross. Seabird captures can also result in steep fines for fishermen. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service limits the number of short-tailed albatross caught by Alaska and West Coast longline and trawl fisheries.
Washington Sea Grant research addresses seabird bycatch issues. WSG analyzed 23 years of Alaska longline fisheries observer data to identify trends in albatross bycatch rates. The program designed and distributed streamer lines, with educational materials, that dramatically reduced the number of birds caught off Alaska. Research with the West Coast longline fleet continued and a report was issued. In the pollock and Pacific whiting trawl fisheries, WSG researchers assisted the Northwest Fisheries Science Center and the fishing industry with identifying technologies to prevent seabird interactions with trawl catcher processors.
WSG has a long history of research in Alaska fisheries. Since streamer lines were adopted in Alaska, roughly 9,400 albatrosses and 141,000 seabirds were saved and fishermen have been less likely to violate the Endangered Species Act. The WSG lead researcher received the 2015 Presidential Migratory Bird Federal Stewardship Award for his team’s work protecting endangered short-tailed albatross. Additionally, WSG and collaborators published recommendations on the West Coast longline fleet, concluding that streamer lines don’t work during the day and night setting is a good alternative. Based on these findings, the Pacific Fishery Management Council will decide on amending regulations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service incorporated the recommendations into their Biological Opinion. In the Pacific whiting fishery, NOAA Fisheries trawl research used WSG protocols and advice, which could lead to new mitigation measures for preventing seabird deaths.