Artisanal, or small-scale, fisheries account for 40 percent of the global fish catch and contribute to the livelihoods of 1 in 12 people worldwide. Given their social and economic importance, developing methods to make these fisheries more sustainable is critical. Bycatch — the accidental capture of non-target species — remains a major environmental issue, particularly for endangered and long-lived animals such as albatrosses. Nineteen of the world’s 21 albatross species are threatened with extinction, with fisheries bycatch a leading cause. Reducing bycatch in artisanal fisheries, which are often poorly regulated and under-resourced, remains a major conservation challenge.
In coastal communities of Ecuador, conservationists and local fishers are building new partnerships rooted in shared stewardship of the ocean. Safer fishing practices, environmental education, and open dialogue are yielding innovative solutions. GPS tracking of vessels and albatrosses is deepening our understanding of where and how risks occur, while community outreach campaigns are fostering a growing sense of pride and responsibility among fisherfolk.
Learn more about the Waved Albatross: https://abcbirds.org/bird/waved-albatross/
American Bird Conservancy stands up for birds across the Americas. We halt bird extinctions, conserve vital habitats, eliminate key threats, and build the capacity of our partners.
American Bird Conservancy
