Short-tailed Albatross information

    Historically Short-tailed Albatross were one of the most abundant albatross in the North Pacific, ranging over the entire Pacific Rim. Between 1887 and 1932 the feather trade brought the species to near extinction. By 1950 they were considered one of the world's rarest birds, nesting on only one Japanese Island. In the 1960's they were protected internationally and the Japanese government declared the species a national monument. Today the population is recovering and though endangered approximately 1,000 birds exist. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has more information on its current status (click here).
 

  The Role of the International Pacific Halibut Commission

    The IPHC has become involved in bird bycatch research through the impact of this species on the halibut fishery. Regulations are in effect that make it manditory for longline vessels to use seabird avoidance devices. The main impetus for this regulation was the halibut fleet themselves. Fishers were concerned that the powerful Endangered Species Act would restrict or even close their fisheries if any of these rare birds were caught and killed on longline gear. They requested the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council enact regulations in Alaska to help prevent any seabird bycatch.
    In 1998 the IPHC collected seabird bycatch data from fishers in British Columbia and Alaska. Over 4,000 vessels were interviewed representing 45 million pounds of landed halibut. For a summary table click here.
    The following links contain the some of the sightings the IPHC has compiled since 1996.