A status update of seabirds in the IOTC area

New data on the status of albatrosses and petrels, the seabird most at risk from bycatch in tuna longline fisheries, are presented. On the whole, downward population trends continue, giving cause for serious concerns and highlighting the need to continue and increase efforts from longline fleets to prevent seabird bycatch. New information on Tristan Albatross Diomedea dabbenena highlights the Indian Ocean as an important part of this Critically Endangered albatross’s foraging range. Several species, notably Amsterdam Albatross D. amsterdamensis and Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris have undergone strong recoveries in recent years, possibly reflecting improved use of seabird bycatch mitigation measures.