You can help save albatrosses from extinction

Albatrosses feed by picking up squid and small fish from near the surface of the water. They have a keen sense of smell and are attracted to fishing vessels by the discarded fish heads and guts that are thrown overboard. As they dive down for an easy meal, many are injured by ropes or other fishing equipment, often breaking their wings. Some try to take bait off hooks, only to get caught and dragged under the water. This issue is called 'bycatch' and thousands of albatrosses are dying like this every year. But it's a fixable problem.

The Albatross Task Force was set up to help stop albatrosses and other seabirds dying as bycatch. Through working with governments and fishing fleets, they have transformed the fortunes of seabirds in South Africa and Namibia, and the lucky albatrosses that feed there are now safe. But albatrosses wander widely, and they are still in danger around South America and on the High Seas. The Albatross Task Force needs your help to make commercial fishing safe for all albatrosses, not just the lucky few.

A yellow-nosed albatross that fledges from Gough Island might fly west or east depending on the wind. If she goes towards South Africa, the work of the Albatross Task Force will help keep her safe. But if the wind carries her towards South America, she may not survive. You can help to change this by supporting the Albatross Task Force today!

Donate to the Albatross Task Force and you’ll receive our exclusive twice-yearly Impact newsletter. This is a great way to see how your support is helping to save these iconic birds.