Seabirds, Condors Under Threat

A detailed study of seabird deaths in the Benguela Current fishery off South Africa indicates that 18,000 seabirds, including endangered albatrosses, may be killed by trawlers every year. Researchers on 14 boats observed 30 deaths in 190 hours. The deaths generally occurred when seabirds ran into taut lines behind the trawlers or became entangled in nets as they were diving for fish waste tossed overboard. The researchers extrapolated their observations to come up with the annual mortality estimate of 18,000. Meanwhile, in California, scientists report that the $45 million condor rescue project has reached a crossroads: 150 condors now exist in the wild, but they survive only with human assistance. An independent review panel says that banning lead shot, which poisons condors when they feed on animals killed by hunters, will improve survival rates.