Dr. Aymeric Fromant, Senior Zoologist at Biosis, has recently published an insightful study in the journal Marine Ecology Progress Series aimed at understanding the interactions between endangered Sooty Albatrosses and fishing vessels in the southern Indian Ocean.

The research highlights the potential of advanced tracking technologies to shed light on seabird behaviours, with the ultimate goal of reducing the risk of bycatch—a significant conservation issue for this endangered species.

The study, conducted during the incubation period for Sooty Albatrosses nesting on the Crozet Islands, combined GPS tracking, behavioural data, and radar detectors with Automatic Identification System (AIS) boat location data. This innovative approach allowed researchers to map the birds' movements and analyse their interactions with fishing vessels in sub-tropical international waters.

While the results showed a low interaction rate between the albatrosses and fishing boats during the study period, Dr. Fromant cautions against interpreting these findings as conclusive. The sample size was limited, and the timing of the study coincided with reduced fishing effort in the region. Furthermore, the data may not capture potential variations in attraction rates between different populations or during other stages of the birds’ annual cycle.

“This study underscores the importance of tracking data in addressing risk assessments,” Dr. Fromant said. “Although the interaction rate was low, the methods used here are invaluable for understanding the behaviours of cryptic species like the Sooty Albatross, for which onboard bycatch data is critically lacking.”

The implications of the research extend beyond fisheries. Dr. Fromant points out that the same tracking techniques can be applied to assess the impact of offshore and onshore wind farms on bird populations. By providing fine-scale data on bird movements and behaviours, these tools can inform conservation strategies and guide efforts to mitigate risks to avifauna in various contexts. The study’s findings also highlight the need for further research.

The conservation status of the Sooty Albatross requires a comprehensive understanding of threats throughout its annual cycle, particularly during periods of higher energetic demands and intensified fishing activity. While further research is needed, this study is a significant step forward in utilising technology to address critical knowledge gaps in seabird conservation and understanding.