Print
Sooty albatross
Breeding pairs remaining in the world: 12,500 - 19,000
Where do they breed?: Tristan da Cunha group (South Atlantic) and subAntarctic islands in the Indian Ocean
Wingspan: 180-220 cm
Length (beak to tail): 84-89 cm
Average lifespan: Up to 30 years
Diet: Mainly marine molluscs, fish, crabs, shrimp and carrion. Will occasionally follow fishing vessels
Scientific name:Phoebetria fusca
Threat level: Endangered
Why they need your help
Over the past 20 years, this species has suffered drastic population declines, most likely caused by longline fishing, and not helped by the fact that they only breed once every two years.
Sooty albatrosses feed over subtropical waters throughout the year, and come into regular contact with large numbers of tuna fishing fleets.
Both adults and juveniles have been caught as bycatch by Japanese longline vessels fishing off the coast of Australia, and at least some are killed on tuna longlines off southern Africa.
Those birds breeding on Amsterdam Island are threatened by disease and introduced predators, both of which have already had a significant effect on breeding success.
The practice of harvesting chicks and adults from the Tristan da Cunha group of islands is banned, and illegal poaching is now probably very rare.