The Government estimates potentially up to 14,400 birds are killed in New Zealand commercial trawl and longline fisheries. The most recent official observer data showed more than 35 species of seabird were captured by commercial fishing boats in New Zealand waters in just 12 months from 2018-2019. Many birds killed were rare and threatened animals such as the Otago shag, Fiordland crested penguin, and Antipodean albatross. Five Antipodean albatross killed by a New Zealand long-line fishing boat in the Bay of Plenty region were just one of 30 species of seabird killed in New Zealand fisheries last year. Overall, seabird bycatch was falling and the industry was looking at new ways to deter birds from vessels, he said.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 02, 2020 20:15 UTC