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title: "Seabird mortality 101: “simple fixes” could save thousands of birds a year killed in fisheries"
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# Seabird mortality 101: “simple fixes” could save thousands of birds a year killed in fisheries

The [Smithsonian Magazine](http://www.smithsonianmag.com/) has published an article on line that discusses seabird mortality from three types of fishing: longlining, trawling and gill netting.  “Changes as basic as adding a colorful streamer to commercial longline fishing boats could save thousands of seabirds a year”.

 The article, written by Emily Eng and Whitney Pipkin, comes with three clear and well-drawn graphics by Emily that illustrate the problem – and what can be done to mitigate it – for each fishing type, and serves as a good introduction to the issue to share with friends and colleagues who may not be well informed.  Mitigation measures described include the use of bird-scaring lines by both longliners and trawlers, line weighting and night setting.  The longline fishing graphic is given as an example.

 ![](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/longline.png)

 With thanks to Mi Ae Kim, Office of International Affairs and Seafood Inspection, National Marine Fisheries Service, USA.

 **Reference:**

 Eng, E. & Pipkin, W. 2016.  These simple fixes could save thousands of birds a year from fishing boats.  [*Smithsonian Magazine*22 August 2016](http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/these-simple-fixes-could-save-thousands-birds-year-fishing-boats-180959982/).

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 27 December 2016*