Incidental bycatch by commercial fishing

Incidental bycatch in fisheries refers to the unintentional capture of non-target species during fishing operations. This includes several species of seabirds and bycatch has become a major threat to the survival of seabird populations in the region. Studies have shown that incidental bycatch of seabirds in Namibian waters is a widespread and persistent problem, affecting several species of seabirds, including the Cape Gannet, as well as a range of oceanic birds, such as albatrosses and petrels.

The impacts of incidental bycatch is severe, with birds being either killed or injured during the capture process. One study estimated that up to 11,000 seabirds were being killed annually as bycatch in Namibian waters. In addition, the loss of individuals from these populations can have negative effects on the overall health and reproductive success of these species. Furthermore, the longline fishing gear commonly used in Namibian waters poses a significant threat to seabirds as it can ensnare multiple birds at once, leading to high levels of mortality.