Environmental and operational variability affecting the mortality of Black-browed Albatrosses associated with long-liners in Argentina

Abstract

The effects of different environmental and operational factors on the incidental capture of Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris) in long-line fishing operations were analysed. This is the most commonly captured seabird by Argentine long-line fishing vessels, and significant decreases in its populations have been mainly attributed to long-line fishing practices. The estimated mean rate ± s.d. of by-catch for the analysed period (1999–2003) was 0.03 ± 0.39 birds per 1000 hooks. Black-browed Albatrosses were mainly caught during day settings. Higher capture rates were observed during autumn and winter. The effect of the length of long-lines on the incidental capture of Black-browed Albatrosses was also analysed, showing that higher capture rates occurred when short long-lines were deployed. Seasonal differences in the distribution of captures were observed, being widely distributed to the north of the shelf-break during autumn—winter (i.e. non-breeding season) and mostly concentrated in southernmost latitudes, closer to the presumed breeding area in the Malvinas (Falkland) Islands during spring—summer. Mortalities during winter were mainly associated with the Patagonian Toothfish (Dissostrichus eleginoides) fishery, while those observed during summer were associated with long-liners targeting Kingklip (Genypterus blacodes) on the Patagonian Shelf.