MPI’s action for albatross protection – welcome news says WWF

Today’s announcement that the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will prosecute fishing-related albatross deaths is welcomed by conservation organisation, WWF New-Zealand.

The MPI is prosecuting a commercial fisherman in relation to the deaths of 38 albatrosses and is moving to put in place additional measures to help prevent further seabird deaths.

“WWF welcomes the government taking action to ensure skippers use seabird bycatch mitigation techniques,” said Peter Hardstaff, Head of Campaigns, WWF-New Zealand.

New Zealand is called the seabird capital of the world. Nearly half of the world's 22 albatross species breed in New Zealand and many of those breed nowhere else. But many albatross species are in trouble – listed as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered according to the IUCN Red List.

Mr Hardstaff said commercial fishing practices were considered the greatest threat to the survival of many albatross species.

“Thousands of these birds are killed each year as bycatch in fisheries in the waters around New Zealand, South America and South Africa – fishing is the biggest threat to their survival,” he said.

"The New Zealand region is so important for albatrosses and petrels, so we have to ensure seabird-safe fishing practices are employed.”

WWF is committed to working both internationally and nationally with governments and the fishing industry to adopt measures that will allow albatross and petrel populations to recover.

“What is needed urgently in New Zealand is a consistent approach to observer coverage and the implementation of seabird-safe fishing practices and mitigation devices in all fisheries where seabird bycatch is a concern,” Mr Hardstaff said.

“In some fisheries there have been significant advances in reducing albatross and other seabird mortalities, but in other fisheries there are still major issues with non-compliance, lack of understanding about the issue, and ineffective or faulty equipment and techniques.”

WWF is a founding member of Southern Seabird Solutions Trust – an innovative alliance that includes representatives from the seafood industry, environmental groups, the government and Māori organisations who take a cooperative approach to seabird conservation.

ENDS

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