Monday's Inspirational Photo: Amsterdam Albatross

The Amsterdam albatross is the most endangered of the 22 albatross species. In fact, scientists believe that there could be as few as 130 birds. At one time, thought to be the same species as the Wandering albatross (shown here), DNA studies have concluded that it is in fact a sub-species, and its sole breeding site on Amsterdam Island keeps it completely separate from all other species, and increases its vulnerability. They therefore need all the help then can get.

So, good news - earlier this month - the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) adopted a resolution that requires all longline fishing vessels, fishing for tuna and swordfish in the southern Indian Ocean, to adopt a combination of at least two measures to reduce the bycatch of seabirds. The southern Indian Ocean is an important feeding ground for four species of albatross, including the Amsterdam albatross.

Measures include: setting their hooks at night when birds are less active, using a bird streamer (tori) line to keep birds away from the hooks, adding weight to lines to make them sink more quickly out of reach of the albatrosses, and dyeing bait blue to make it less visible. The fisheries are given flexibility to choose which two measures from this list are most suitable to their fishery.

Once bycatch mitigation requirements have been put in place getting them actually used by fishermen is the next important step. The RSPB and BirdLife founded the Albatross Task Force to show fishermen how to use the mitigation measures. They have 14 ATF members working to protect albatrosses feeding in the waters of Brazil, Chile, South Africa, Namibia, Uruguay and Argentina. You can find out more at their web site www.savethealbatross.net and read the diaries of the Task Force members as they work with the fishing fleets at sea.

Remember to also check the Seafood Watch pocket guide for best choices, and albatross-friendly options.