Brazil has recently formally ratified a major global seabird treaty.
Endorsement of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) means Brazil will take measures to reduce seabird bycatch within its waters. This will strengthen conservation action being undertaken around the world to save the 300,000 seabirds - including 100,000 albatrosses – killed in longline fisheries each year, says BirdLife International.
All eight species of Albatross found in Brazilian waters are classified as Globally Threatened. “Species such as the Critically Endangered Tristan Albatross Diomedea dabbenena are disappearing fast because of incidental mortality in longline fisheries,” said Dr Euan Dunn, Head of Marine Policy RSPB (BirdLife in the UK). “Brazil joining ACAP throws a life-line to Globally Threatened seabirds”.
The agreement requires signatory states to improve the conservation status of albatrosses and petrels. These measures include research and monitoring, reduction of incidental mortality in fisheries, eradication of non-native species at breeding sites, reduction of disturbance and habitat loss, and reduction of pollution.
