What can we do to help them?

There are ways of stopping so many birds being caught on the lines. Weights on the lines can make them sink below the surface so that the birds can’t see the bait. Bright streamers fluttering above the water frighten the birds off. 

Fishermen must do these things when they are in the seas owned by one of the countries that have promised to help albatrosses. 

The countries trying to help will also have to protect any islands that they own where the birds breed. And if they have put these measures in place for these seas, they will be in place wherever the fishermen go.

In early 2004, lots of people signed a petition organized by Forest and Bird, BirdLife’s New Zealand partner, to help to stop more albatrosses being drowned.

© 2008 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Registered charity no. 207076
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Illustrations copyright Andy Hamilton
Immature Royal albatross taking off from water, Stewart Island, New Zealand - (RSPB, Ref: 2001_2238_000)