Albatrosses Threatened by Commercial Fishing

Many albatross species are in decline because of their interaction with commercial deep sea fishing. Albatrosses are attracted to the same bait used to catch fish. When they attempt to grab and eat bait, they often become entangled in the fishing lines and drown. As a result, 18 seabird species are threatened with extinction. Another 19 seabird species are at risk.

A conference this week will consider ways to reduce these accidental killings along with their main business of setting tuna quotas.