More than half of seabird species are endangered by fishing

The population of 212 (57%) of the 365 seabird species in the world is declining, and almost a third globally threatenedreveals the 2022 ‘State of the World’s Birds’ report published by BirdLife International. There are 19 critically endangered species, 34 endangered and 58 vulnerable species.

With this increasingly alarming panorama, SEO/BirdLife has been working for more than two decades to turn the situation around through the Pleamar Program with the ‘Zepamar’ projects developed in collaboration with the Marine Program and the Biodiversity Foundation. It is co-financed by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (FEMP).

“There are mitigation measures to combat this bycatch and these can be effective, but non-compliance with regulations A situation that requires its implementation, particularly in the high seas, means that many birds are still endangered,” the report emphasizes.

of course There is not even a proper regulation when it comes to European waters. about. These and other issues were discussed at the meeting of experts held under the umbrella of ‘Zepamar III’.

The event proved the urgency of improving data collection, which effective mitigation measures in affected fleets and in key areas and times. There was also a need to train inspectors and fishermen to improve off-target data collection.

capture reduction

Through the ‘Zepamar’ projects, SEO/BirdLife has addressed numerous aspects of the relationship between seabirds and fishing activities in the Mediterranean and Galicia.

conservation organization, especially small gear fleet“It’s very difficult to tackle because of the large number of ships in operation and the great variety of fishing practices available”, underlines SEO/BirdLife.

“Collaborating with the fishermen has been very rewarding,” says Pep Arcos, Marine Program coordinator. “The simple fact of being involved in these projects has made many fishermen aware of the risks and reduced their prey by learning what the moments of greatest impact are and avoiding them,” he adds.

For the purpose of reduce seabird hunting on longline and trawlersA number of mitigation measures have been developed, such as ‘.guardrail lines‘ consists of colored pennants that deter birds from approaching the stern of the ship.

They have also been tested weights for sinking hooks faster and nighttime use of networks and lines to avoid the hours of maximum activity of the birds. These mitigation measures are already in use in many areas and significantly reduce seabird mortality.

For example, the use of ‘scary line’ in bottom line fishing for hake in Namibia since 2015, Bycatch reduced by 98.4%This is equivalent to saving about 22,000 seabirds per year.

It has also been designated one of the main destinations for seabirds in the North Atlantic, larger than the surface of France. marine protected area After analysis of favorable tracking data and campaigns by BirdLife in 2021.

touring exhibition

Traveling exhibition among SEO/BirdLife’s activities through ‘Zepamar’ ‘Birds, our eyes in the sea‘, in a physical and online audio-visual format, enabled a wide audience to get to know seabirds, worrisome threat situations and their multiple interactions with fishing activities in an entertaining and intimate way.

The exhibition has currently toured six stages in Galicia, Catalonia and Madrid and will be on permanent display. Cabo de Peñas translation center (Asturias) From Easter 2023.

“We hope that with this resource of great potential, we will reach a large number of fishing associations, administrations, institutions and training centers, apart from anyone interested in birds and the marine world,” said Beatriz Barajas, coordinator of the exhibition.

However, the meeting also addressed other important issues related to the interaction between birds and fisheries. use of waste by seabirdsto better understand how this resource impacts its ecology and to better predict the consequences of landing liability or ‘zeroing’.

In contrast, considering interaction between seabirds and aquaculture. Information was gathered from 20 aquaculture facilities representing different types of farming in Spanish territory, such as fish farming in floating cages, onshore tanks, estuaries and bivalve farming.

SEO/BirdLife technicians state: there is no bird problem in all marine farming facilities. For example, mussel rafts or mussels, places of rest and protection, and extensive crops in traditional estuaries provide ample food on the Spanish coast during the winter season.

Reference report: https://seo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Estado-de-Conservacion-de-las-Aves-del-Mundo_2022-BirdLife-International.pdf

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Environment department contact address:crisclimatica@prensaiberica.es