Abstract
The rate of foraging attempts by black–browed albatross on baited hooks during Spanish-system (demersal) longline-setting operations, and a range of environmental and operational variables were used to investigate the relationship between their foraging behaviour and their mortality level. Logistic regression highlighted that a complex range of environmental and operational variables and black-browed albatross abundance combined to determine their mortality level. Our results suggest that, examined over a relatively short time period with minimal environmental variation, the rate of black-browed albatross foraging attempts during line-setting significantly affects their level of mortality. However, as a range of variables influence mortality, until targeted experimental studies are conducted, we suggest that caution should be exercised when using the rate of black-browed albatross foraging attempts as an index of their mortality.
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Acknowledgements
Glen McPherson and Graham Robertson commented on an earlier version of this paper. SAST was funded by the Falkland Islands Government, and we appreciate their continued support. The support and assistance of Grant Munro, Consolidated Fisheries staff and crew of the CFL Valiant and CFL Pioneer were vital. Thanks are also due to the Falkland Islands Fisheries Department and Fishery Patrol Officers, the crews of the Dorada and Sigma, and Byron Marine for Fishery Patrol Vessel transfers. The Marine Resource Assessment Group (MRAG, UK) provided SAST with a blank copy of the longline database used in the Convention for the Conservation of Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) waters.
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Reid, T.A., Sullivan, B.J. Longliners, black-browed albatross mortality and bait scavenging in Falkland Island waters: what is the relationship?. Polar Biol 27, 131–139 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-003-0547-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-003-0547-3