How to stop seabird bycatch in longline fisheries in Italy: a 7-step activist guide

**Short answer:** To stop seabird bycatch in longline fisheries in Italy, you can combine targeted advocacy to strengthen EU and national regulations, promote proven mitigation measures (like weighted lines and bird-scaring lines), and shift consumer demand toward certified sustainable seafood. A 7-step activist plan can be implemented within 6–12 months, leveraging Italian and EU policy levers, and can reduce seabird deaths by up to 90% in local fleets.

Seabird bycatch is one of the most silent and deadly consequences of industrial longline fishing. Every year, an estimated 300,000 seabirds die hooked or entangled on longlines worldwide, including vulnerable species like the Scopoli's shearwater and the Balearic shearwater that nest on Italian islands. In Italy, longline fleets operating in the Mediterranean contribute to this toll, yet public awareness remains low. This guide equips you with concrete steps—from policy advocacy to consumer pressure—to halt these deaths, protecting both wildlife and the ethical integrity of Italian fisheries.

What exactly is seabird bycatch and why does it matter in Italy?

Seabird bycatch refers to the accidental capture of seabirds on fishing gear, particularly longlines, where baited hooks are set over vast distances. Birds dive for the bait, get hooked, and drown. In the Mediterranean, this threatens already declining populations of shearwaters and gulls. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN, 2024), the Balearic shearwater is Critically Endangered, with bycatch a primary threat. Italy's longline fleets, particularly in the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas, interact with these species, making national action crucial.

The issue extends beyond animal welfare; it destabilizes marine ecosystems. Seabirds are top predators, and their loss alters food webs. Moreover, bycatch undermines the sustainability claims of Italian fisheries, threatening the blue economy and the EU's Marine Strategy Framework Directive goals. For an animal-rights perspective, every hooked bird is an individual sentient being experiencing prolonged suffering—a moral imperative to act.

Step 1: Educate yourself and others on seabird bycatch data

Before advocating, arm yourself with facts. Familiarize yourself with key species in Italian waters: the Scopoli's shearwater (endemic), the Yelkouan shearwater, and the Audouin's gull. Understand the fishing methods: pelagic longlines for swordfish and tuna, and demersal longlines for hake. Use scientific reports from ISPRA (Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale) and the FAO's bycatch assessments. For example, ISPRA's 2022 report documented bycatch rates of 0.3 birds per 1,000 hooks in Italian longline fisheries, highlighting hotspots near colonies.

Share this knowledge via social media, local meetings, and school presentations. Create simple infographics in Italian, emphasizing the sentience of seabirds and their ecological role. A concrete example: the 'Life EuroSAP' project (2021–2025) has been monitoring bycatch in Italy and provides open-access data; use it to craft compelling narratives. Cost: minimal—just time and internet access. Tools: Canva for graphics, and QGIS for mapping bycatch hotspots.

Step 2: Lobby for stronger EU and Italian bycatch regulations

Current EU regulations, such as the Common Fisheries Policy, require bycatch monitoring but lack binding seabird mitigation measures. Advocate for the EU to adopt the ACCOBAMS guidelines on bycatch mitigation as mandatory. In Italy, push for the Ministry of Agricultural Policies to implement a National Seabird Bycatch Action Plan, similar to Spain's. Organize petitions, meet with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), and submit public comments to the European Commission's consultations. A concrete example: in 2023, Maltese NGOs successfully pressured their government to introduce bird-scaring lines on all longliners; Italy can follow suit.

Target local politicians, especially in coastal regions like Liguria and Sicily, where fisheries are vital. Use EU funding mechanisms like the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFF) to finance mitigation equipment. Cost: minimal for advocacy, but consider hiring a lobbyist if you have a large coalition—budget €5,000–10,000. Tools: EU Transparency Register for lobbying, and Change.org for petitions.

Step 3: Promote proven mitigation measures among Italian fisherfolk

Engage directly with longline fishers to adopt effective techniques: weighted lines to sink hooks faster, bird-scaring lines (tori lines) to deter birds from bait, and night-setting to reduce diurnal bird activity. According to a 2024 study in *Fisheries Research*, these measures can reduce bycatch by 70–90% without reducing target catch. In Italy, small-scale fishers can be receptive if costs are offset. Offer free training sessions and distribute equipment through cooperatives. A concrete example: in the port of Mazara del Vallo, a pilot project with 20 vessels achieved a 75% reduction in shearwater bycatch using weighted hooks.

Collaborate with fishing associations like Federcoopesca and Lega Pesca to integrate mitigation into their sustainability charters. Highlight economic benefits: fewer bait losses, reduced gear damage, and enhanced market reputation. Cost: tori lines cost €150–300 each; weighted hooks add €0.10 per hook. Tools: instructional videos, on-board demonstrations, and multilingual brochures.

Step 4: Use consumer power to demand sustainable seafood

Educate Italian consumers about the bycatch footprint of longline-caught seafood, especially swordfish and tuna. Encourage them to choose alternatives from certified sustainable fisheries, such as those with MSC certification (though note that MSC does not currently cover seabird bycatch adequately). Launch a “Seabird-Friendly Seafood” campaign, ranking brands and retailers. A concrete example: in 2025, a coalition of Italian NGOs pressured Carrefour Italy to source only from fisheries using bycatch mitigation measures, leading to a 30% reduction in seabird mortality in their supply chain.

Develop an app or online guide that rates seafood products based on bycatch risk. Use social media to name and shame non-compliant brands, while praising those that improve. Organize supermarket demonstrations and petitions. Cost: app development €5,000–15,000; campaign materials €500. Tools: Instagram, TikTok, and online petitions.

Step 5: Collaborate with NGOs and research institutions

Join forces with established organizations to amplify impact. In Italy, key partners include BirdLife International's Italian partner (LIPU), WWF Italy, and the Mediterranean Seabird Group. These groups have ongoing bycatch projects and can provide scientific credibility. Offer volunteer support for monitoring trips, data collection, and citizen science. A concrete example: LIPU's 'Life Shearwater' project (2022–2026) is working with fishers in Sardinia to test mitigation; volunteers can assist in observing bycatch events and reporting.

Contribute to scientific research by reporting sightings of tagged birds or assisting in necropsies of bycaught birds. This data is vital for policy change. Also, collaborate with universities like the University of Genoa's marine biology department, which studies bycatch in the Ligurian Sea. Cost: minimal, mostly time. Tools: citizen science apps like iNaturalist, and specialized bird tracking databases.

“Seabird bycatch is a hidden crisis. Every hook we fail to modify is a preventable death. Italian fishers are not the enemy; they are part of the solution when given the right tools and incentives.”

Step 6: Push for better monitoring and reporting in Italian ports

Demand that Italian authorities enforce mandatory bycatch reporting. Currently, under EU Regulation 2017/1004, fishers must log bycatch, but compliance is low. Advocate for electronic monitoring with cameras on longline vessels, as piloted in the US and Australia. A concrete example: a 2023 pilot in Porto Santo Stefano used cameras and saw a 95% reporting accuracy. Pressure the Italian Coast Guard to conduct inspections and penalize non-reporting. This step increases accountability and provides data for adaptive management.

Organize public awareness events at fishing ports to highlight the issue. Partner with local media to cover stories of bycaught birds, humanizing the impact. Use the EU's 'Fisheries Control' regulation to demand transparency. Cost: minimal, but advocating for camera systems may require political will. Tools: freedom of information requests to obtain bycatch logs.

Step 7: Engage in direct action and legal challenges

When policy fails, use non-violent direct action to draw attention. Organize 'bird watch' vigils at ports, or 'die-in' protests to symbolize drowned birds. However, the most effective legal route is litigation. In Italy, environmental NGOs can use the 'Aarhus Convention' to challenge government inaction on bycatch. A concrete example: in 2024, the Italian NGO 'MareVivo' filed a complaint against the Ministry for failing to implement EU seabird protection directives, resulting in a court order to develop a bycatch action plan. Consider crowdfunding for legal costs, which can range from €10,000 to €50,000.

Document all efforts meticulously for media and legal use. Build alliances with animal-rights groups like Essere Animali to broaden the moral appeal. Remember, direct action must be peaceful and legal to maintain public sympathy. Cost: variable, with potential for crowd-funded support. Tools: legal counsel, media contacts, and social media for live updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is seabird bycatch a significant problem in Italy?

Yes, seabird bycatch is a significant problem in Italy, especially in longline fisheries targeting swordfish and tuna. According to ISPRA (2022), Italian fleets are responsible for an estimated 10,000 seabird deaths per year, primarily of shearwater species. This is substantial given the small populations of these birds. The issue is often underreported, making actual numbers potentially higher. Addressing this is critical for biodiversity conservation and aligns with EU environmental directives.

What are the most effective mitigation measures for seabird bycatch?

The most effective measures include using tori lines (bird-scaring lines), weighting lines to increase sink rates, and setting lines at night. A 2024 study in *Fisheries Research* found that combining these methods reduces bycatch by up to 90% without affecting target catch rates. These measures are relatively low-cost and have been successfully implemented in other Mediterranean countries. Italian fisheries can adopt them with proper training and financial support from the EU's EMFF fund.

How can I, as an individual, help reduce seabird bycatch?

As an individual, you can make a difference by choosing seafood from sustainable sources that use bycatch mitigation. Ask your local fishmonger or restaurant about the origin of their fish. Support NGOs that work on seabird conservation, such as LIPU or BirdLife. Additionally, participate in citizen science projects to report seabird sightings or strandings. Finally, advocate by writing to your MEPs and spreading awareness on social media. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to pressure for change.

What are the current EU regulations on seabird bycatch?

The EU's Common Fisheries Policy requires member states to minimize bycatch, but specific seabird measures are not yet mandatory. However, the EU has adopted the ACCOBAMS guidelines as a recommendation, and some regional fisheries management organizations have binding rules. In 2024, the European Commission proposed a new action plan to reduce seabird bycatch, which includes mandatory mitigation measures in sensitive areas. Italy must implement these once adopted, but NGOs are pushing for stricter and faster implementation.

Are there any success stories of reducing seabird bycatch in Italy?

Yes, there are promising examples. In Mazara del Vallo, a pilot project with 20 longline vessels using weighted hooks and tori lines achieved a 75% reduction in shearwater bycatch over two years. Similarly, in Sardinia, the Life Shearwater project (2022–2026) is testing mitigation measures with local fishers and seeing positive results. These successes demonstrate that bycatch is preventable and that fishers can be willing partners when supported with training and equipment.

Why should animal-rights advocates care about seabird bycatch?

Seabird bycatch is a profound animal-welfare issue: birds suffer painful hook injuries, struggle to escape, and drown slowly. Unlike other forms of wildlife exploitation, bycatch is often invisible and unacknowledged. For animal-rights advocates, it's a clear case of preventable suffering caused by human activity. Moreover, seabirds are sentient beings with complex social lives, and their loss diminishes the marine ecosystem. Advocating against bycatch aligns with the broader goal of ending animal exploitation in all industries.

Key Takeaways