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The solutions
Tackling the problems and keeping seabirds off the hook needn't be difficult.
Indeed, many of the methods that fishermen can adopt to keep albatrosses away from baited hooks are simple and cost effective.
As longline fishing methods differ depending on the target fish, several different ways of helping seabirds are needed. A combination of the following can be used to halt the needless slaughter of these magnificent birds:
Bird scaring devices
Trailing a curtain of plastic streamers (or 'tori' lines) from the stern of the ship scares birds away from the baited hooks of longliner and trawler ships.
Chute setting
Underwater setting of lines, by passing them through large tubes, ensures that the line goes into the water out of reach of birds, preventing them access to the bait as it enters the water.
Dyed bait
Bait that has been dyed blue is less visible to seabirds, but still acts as bait for target fish.
Night setting of fishing lines
Many seabirds are less active at night, so it is a good idea to set the lines, and fish, at night. However, this solution does not suit all longline fisheries.
Using heavier weights
Weighting fishing lines make the baited hooks sink more quickly, reducing the chance of birds being caught. Using thawed, not frozen bait is also better as it sinks quicker.
Controlling offal discharge during fishing
Most seabird deaths occur at the stern of vessels as discarded fish watse is dumped over the side. By managing waste disposal from trawlers this attraction can be reduced, lessening the impact on adult seabirds and increasing the chances of young surviving.
Regulating fishing in certain areas
Along with our BirdLife International Partners, we have campaigned for more countries to sign the treaty, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels.
This agreement, legally binding on the signatories, requires them to take specific measures to reduce the number of albatrosses and petrels killed by longline fishing. It was signed by the UK in April 2004.
With your help, we can put these solutions into practice.
Not content with simply damaging the marine environment, mankind also seems set on needlessly slaughtering so much of the wildlife that depends on it. For millions of years seabirds like the albatross have flown over our oceans in safety - it is up to us to ensure that they continue to thrive for future generations.
Rick Stein, TV chef, restaurateur and seafood supremo