Off South Africa's Cape Point, albatrosses are observed near commercial fishing vessels. These birds frequently follow trawlers, consuming discarded fish heads and offal. This behavior exposes them to commercial fishing gear.
Albatrosses are susceptible to bycatch, the accidental capture of non-target species. This occurs when birds attempt to take bait from long lines, which can extend up to 100 kilometers and carry thousands of baited hooks. Birds also risk entanglement in the cable lines used to retrieve fishing nets. When caught, albatrosses are often dragged underwater and drown.
Seabirds are among the most endangered avian groups globally. Of the 22 albatross species, 15 are affected by fishing activities. Albatrosses spend a significant portion of their lives at sea, where they encounter fishing vessels. Their reproductive strategy involves laying a single egg every two years after forming monogamous pairs. Both parents contribute to raising the chick. The loss of one parent due to bycatch can result in the chick's demise, as the remaining parent may not be able to provide sufficient food. If a bond is broken by the death of a partner, forming a new bond and resuming egg-laying can take approximately four to five years.
One method implemented to reduce albatross bycatch is the deployment of bird-scaring lines, also known as tori lines (from Japanese 'tori' meaning bird). These lines feature colorful plastic streamers that flutter above fishing nets and long lines, deterring birds from approaching the hazardous areas. The design, originating from a Japanese fisherman in the late 1990s, involves plastic tubing and rope, making them cost-effective and simple to produce.
BirdLife South Africa's Albatross Task Force collaborates with the Ocean View Association for Persons with Disabilities to manufacture bird-scaring lines. This initiative provides vocational activity for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, supplementing their income. From a commercial fishing perspective, economic incentives exist for using these devices. Fishermen prioritize catching target species like tuna, which can yield significant revenue (e.g., $10,000 per tuna), over non-commercial bycatch like birds.
Despite the established benefits, the consistent use of bird-scaring lines by some fishermen is not always observed, influenced by factors such as operational time constraints, safety considerations, and fishing quotas. Since its establishment in 2004, the Albatross Task Force has recorded a 90% reduction in seabird fatalities attributed to southern African fisheries. Efforts aim to extend this conservation success to other international fishing regions.