Seabird Survival and the success of Hookpod
An estimated 320,000 seabirds are reckoned to be unintentionally hooked and killed each year by fishing activities, of which 100,000 are albatrosses; this is sometimes referred to by the sanitised euphemism ‘bycatch’. Hookpod is an innovative hook solution that has the potential to eliminate the unnecessary deaths of albatrosses and other seabirds killed as a result of longline fishing.
Above: Buller’s Albatross is one of the smaller (relatively speaking) mollymawk albatrosses, an adept and aerobatic master of the Southern Oceans. © Paul Sterry/Nature Photographers Ltd
To find out more about the work of Hookpod and how to ‘Sponsor a Hookpod and save an Albatross’, visit www.hookpod.com But don’t just take Hookpod’s word for it or BPOTY’s. Here are what luminaries in the conservation world have to say about this remarkable invention:
‘Every day, hundreds of albatross die in longline fisheries. But there is a unique and exciting new solution to halt this. It’s called a Hookpod. Hookpods stop birds getting caught as they dive for baits. They are effective, easy to use, safe and economic for fishermen. If every pelagic longline fishing fleet used Hookpods, I believe we can stop the accidental death of these magnificent ocean wanderers.’ Sir David Attenborough
‘What an ingenious and timely idea! Hookpod is delightfully simple – and it really works. Albatrosses need all the help they can get and – if we can get this inspiring invention adopted by every longline fishing vessel – I believe there is hope that the future of these iconic seabirds may not be as bleak as it once was.’ Mark Carwardine
Above: A Northern Royal Albatross in effortless flight over heavy seas in the south Pacific. Paul Sterry/Nature Photographers Ltd
Some thoughts from Hookpod’s Chief Executive: ‘Albatrosses are without doubt masters of the seas and skies. I have been lucky enough to spend many hours observing them in the Falkland Islands; this inspired me to work for their conservation and protection. Although some people may never get to see these amazing birds in the wild, with the help of BPOTY they can experience their grace and beauty. Hookpod has been supported by many organisations and individuals who have been so inspired. Our aim is that Hookpods will allow these beautiful birds to fly free for future generations of bird lovers and photographers alike.’ Becky Ingham
Above: An Antipodean Albatross (one of the ‘Wandering’ group) making eye contact. Paul Sterry/Nature Photographers Ltd