A Salvin's albatross has returned to the wild after successfully recovering from life-saving surgery.
A Salvin's albatross, one of the least studied seabird species in the world, has returned to the wild after it successfully recovered from life-saving surgery that removed four large fishing hooks and the fishing line it ingested off the coast of South America.
This unintended fisheries incident highlights the global risk of bycatch – the accidental capture of non-target marine wildlife by fisheries – and the importance of actions taken by commercial and artisanal fisheries to address threats to seabirds.
The juvenile albatross was found by Juan Alberto Infante, a fisherman from Anconcito, Ecuador, who recognised the bird was unwell and contacted local authorities.
The albatross was under wildlife rehabilitation care in Puerto López after the ingested hooks and fishing line were successfully removed by Ruben Aleman, a local veterinarian with Fundación Juvimar. After careful evaluation, it was released in late October on a nearby beach in Manabí province.
"Thanks to the timely report from an artisanal fisher, we were able to rescue this Salvin's albatross that had been grounded for several days in the port of Anconcito," says Giovanny Suárez Espín, Ecuador Seabird Bycatch Coordinator for American Bird Conservancy (ABC).
"Through coordination with the Ecuadorian Ministry of the Environment's local representative and a specialized veterinarian, we successfully removed four fishing hooks, including one that caused injuries to its oesophagus.
"The type and size of the hooks suggest they came from the artisanal mahi-mahi fishery, which poses a risk to albatrosses. While reducing bycatch in this fishery is challenging, we continue to promote best practices and more sustainable tools to minimize incidental seabird capture," Giovanny says.
Salvin's albatross breed on several rugged, remote Subantarctic Islands, hundreds of kilometres south of New Zealand. They spend most of their lives at sea, foraging around New Zealand and Australia during the breeding period. After breeding, they fly thousands of kilometres nonstop over open ocean to the Pacific coast off South America in search of food.
Because they are so mobile and inhabit a vast area, it takes the efforts of many countries to protect them. Researchers from Ecuador, Perú, and New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC) have been working closely together to study the species and advocate for the fishing industry to take measures to prevent seabird bycatch.
DOC Senior Science Advisor Dr. Johannes Fischer says no fisher wants to catch threatened seabirds.
"We work closely with the fishing industry in New Zealand and abroad to improve mitigation and minimise accidental deaths from bycatch.
"A better understanding of the distribution of Salvin's albatross and other seabirds is crucial to help protect them. While we collect tracking data from devices attached to adult Salvin's albatross, currently information on the movements of juveniles comes solely from observations.
"DOC plans to fit trackers onto juveniles at the end of this breeding season through a collaboration with Universidad Científica del Sur in Lima, Perú, which will directly inform seabird research partnerships in Perú, Ecuador and other countries."
Dr. Carlos Zavalaga, Director of the Seabird Ecology and Conservation Research Unit from Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Peru, says tracking endangered New Zealand albatrosses that migrate to Peruvian offshore waters is essential to bridge the gap between conservation and fisheries management.
"These long-distance travellers depend on the productivity of the Humboldt Current to feed, yet each migration carries the silent risk of being hooked on longlines – a reminder that effective protection must transcend national boundaries."
The Salvin's albatross population has declined from about 88,000 breeding pairs in the 1970s to about 50,000 today. The species starts breeding from about 11 years old and lay one egg per year, so if something is affecting the juveniles, there can be a big delay before negative impacts are seen.
Johannes says seabirds are one of the most threatened groups of birds globally, facing additional threats like overfishing, climate change, plastic pollution and habitat loss.
"We all need to work together to protect these remarkable, wide-ranging animals. Our natural world is interconnected, and naturing responsibly can have positive impacts around the world, though we may not always see them.
Background information
New Zealand holds one of the highest diversities of seabirds in the world, with about 145 species found in its waters and 95 of those breeding on its coasts and islands.
DOC's Marine Bycatch and Threats team runs the Conservation Services Programme, which is funded by levies from the fishing industry and monitors the impact of commercial fishing on protected species, studies impacted species' populations and looks at ways to mitigate bycatch. This effort is further supported by the International Seabird Strategy, which guides the New Zealand Government's work to reduce seabird bycatch beyond New Zealand's waters, including collaborations with Ecuador and Perú.
American Bird Conservancy
ABC takes bold action to conserve wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. Inspired by the wonder of birds, we achieve lasting results for the bird species most in need while also benefiting human communities, biodiversity, and the planet's fragile climate. Our every action is underpinned by science, strengthened by partnerships, and rooted in the belief that diverse perspectives yield stronger results. Founded as a nonprofit organization in 1994, ABC remains committed to safeguarding birds for generations to come. Join us. Together, we can do more to ensure birds thrive.
In Ecuador, ABC's Marine Program has been engaged in long-term bycatch reduction efforts by working with artisanal longline fisheries and over 2,000 fishers in developing new methods. ABC and partners have also developed the NISURI device, which deploys and sinks lines faster than traditional techniques, preventing seabirds from accidentally becoming hooked by baited lines floating at the surface. Watch Caught By Mistake to learn about innovative solutions and safer fishing practices that benefit both seabirds and people.
