Bycatch of great albatrosses in pelagic longline fisheries in the southwest Atlantic: contributing factors and implications for management

This study examined the spatial and temporal variations in bycatch rates of four species of great albatrosses (wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans), Tristan albatross (Diomedea dabbenena), southern royal albatross (Diomedea epomophora) and northern royal albatross (Diomedea sanfordi)). Observer data was obtained from the Uruguayan pelagic longline fleet and Japanese vessels operating in Uruguay. Vessel operational practices and habitat variables affected bycatch rates, including: setting time, moon phase, and area and season.