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The highest densities of threatened seabirds are found in international waters in the southern oceans, with a particular concentration around New Zealand.
The ranges of globally threatened seabirds cover both marine areas in the Economic Exclusion Zones of many countries and also large parts of the open oceans outside national sovereignty. For example, the highest densities of threatened seabirds are found in international waters in the southern oceans, with a particular concentration in the Tasman Sea and the south-western Pacific around New Zealand (see figure). International co-operation is therefore required to conserve such species, many of which are threatened through incidental capture by commercial longline fisheries.
Related Case Studies in other sections
- BirdLife is working with Regional Fisheries Management Organisations to reduce albatross declines
- BirdLife’s Albatross Task Force is bridging the gap between conservationists and fishermen
- Birds in some families, notably seabirds, have deteriorated in status faster than others
- Longline fishing effort overlaps with foraging hotspots for seabirds and causes significant bycatch
- Many albatross species are in alarming slow decline
- Simple changes to fishing methods can get seabirds off the hook
References
Compiled 2004, updated 2008
Recommended Citation:
BirdLife International
(2008)
The southern oceans are important for threatened seabirds.
Presented as part of the BirdLife State of the world's birds website.
Available from: http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/sowb/casestudy/111.
Checked: 19/06/2013