Migratory bird entangled in fishing net near oil rig

Vanishing Wings: What's Killing Migratory Birds in Our Oceans?

Avery Sinclair in Climate & Environment August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into the alarming impact of fisheries and offshore oil production on marine bird populations, and what we can do about it."

Our oceans, once teeming with life, are facing a silent crisis. While the spotlight often shines on the plight of whales and dolphins, another group of marine inhabitants is quietly suffering: migratory birds. These creatures, undertaking incredible journeys across vast expanses of water, are increasingly falling victim to human activities in our seas.

Two major industries are primarily to blame: commercial fisheries and offshore oil and gas production. These sectors, while vital to our economy, inadvertently create deadly hazards for birds. Whether through accidental capture in fishing gear or exposure to oil pollution, the impact is significant and demands our attention.

Let's explore what scientific research reveals about the causes and scope of this mortality, and more importantly, what steps we can take to protect these essential members of our marine ecosystems. This is not just about conservation; it's about ensuring the health and balance of our planet.

The Grim Reality: How Fisheries Threaten Marine Birds

Migratory bird entangled in fishing net near oil rig

Commercial fishing, a cornerstone of the global food supply, presents a serious threat to migratory birds through bycatch – the unintentional capture of non-target species. Birds become entangled in fishing gear, primarily longlines, gillnets, and bottom trawls, leading to injury or death. This issue is especially pronounced in the Atlantic and Pacific regions of Canada, where numerous migratory bird species converge.

Different types of fishing gear pose distinct risks:

Longlines: Baited hooks attract seabirds, causing them to become hooked and drown during the setting of gear.
Gillnets: These nearly invisible nets are a significant entanglement hazard, trapping birds underwater.
Bottom Trawls: While less commonly associated with bird bycatch, interactions with trawl cables and the nets themselves can lead to mortality.

The numbers are staggering. Studies estimate that fisheries bycatch accounts for the highest levels of incidental take of migratory birds. In combined longline, gillnet, and bottom otter trawl fisheries, between 2,679 to 45,586 birds may die each year. These figures, while alarming, may even be underestimates due to limited observer coverage and underreporting.

A Call to Action: Protecting Our Feathered Navigators

The mortality of migratory birds due to commercial fisheries and offshore oil and gas production is a complex issue that requires collaborative solutions. By supporting sustainable fishing practices, advocating for responsible environmental policies, and demanding greater transparency from industries, we can safeguard these incredible birds and ensure the health of our oceans for generations to come. The future of these migratory birds depends on our collective action. Let's work together to ensure their survival.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5751/ace-00589-080204, Alternate LINK

Title: Mortality Of Migratory Birds From Marine Commercial Fisheries And Offshore Oil And Gas Production In Canada

Subject: Nature and Landscape Conservation

Journal: Avian Conservation and Ecology

Publisher: Resilience Alliance, Inc.

Authors: Joanne I. Ellis, Sabina I. Wilhelm, April Hedd, Gail S. Fraser, Gregory J. Robertson, Jean-François Rail, Mark Fowler, Ken H. Morgan

Published: 2013-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are the primary threats to migratory birds in marine environments?

Migratory birds face significant threats in marine environments primarily from commercial fisheries and offshore oil and gas production. Commercial fisheries lead to bird deaths through bycatch, where birds get entangled in fishing gear like longlines, gillnets, and bottom trawls. Offshore oil and gas production poses risks through oil pollution, which can harm birds directly and damage their habitats. These industries, while important economically, require better environmental practices to mitigate their impact on bird populations.

What does 'bycatch' mean in the context of commercial fishing, and what types of fishing gear are most dangerous for migratory birds?

Bycatch refers to the unintentional capture of non-target species in fishing gear. For migratory birds, this means they become entangled in fishing nets or hooked on longlines, leading to injury or death. The fishing gear primarily responsible for bycatch includes longlines (where baited hooks attract seabirds), gillnets (nearly invisible nets causing entanglement), and bottom trawls (where interactions with cables and nets can be lethal). Bycatch poses a significant threat to migratory bird populations, especially in areas with intensive fishing activities.

How do different types of fishing gear, such as longlines, gillnets, and bottom trawls, lead to bird mortality?

Longlines attract seabirds because of the baited hooks used to catch fish. As birds attempt to take the bait, they become hooked and can drown during the setting of the gear. Gillnets, on the other hand, are nearly invisible nets set in the water, creating a significant entanglement hazard for birds. Birds can get trapped underwater in these nets, leading to drowning. Bottom trawls, while less commonly associated with bird bycatch, can still cause mortality through interactions with trawl cables and the nets themselves.

What is the estimated annual mortality of migratory birds due to commercial fisheries, and why might these numbers be underestimated?

The annual mortality of migratory birds varies by region and fishing type. In combined longline, gillnet, and bottom otter trawl fisheries, estimates range from 2,679 to 45,586 birds may die each year. These numbers may be underestimates due to several factors, including limited observer coverage on fishing vessels and the underreporting of bycatch incidents. Accurate and comprehensive data collection is essential for understanding the true impact and implementing effective conservation measures.

What steps can be taken to protect migratory birds from the threats posed by commercial fisheries and offshore oil and gas production, ensuring their survival and the health of our oceans?

To protect migratory birds, collaborative solutions are crucial. This involves supporting sustainable fishing practices that minimize bycatch, advocating for responsible environmental policies that regulate industrial activities in marine areas, and demanding greater transparency from industries regarding their environmental impact. Other steps include implementing effective bycatch reduction technologies, establishing marine protected areas, and promoting international cooperation to address threats that span across borders. The future of these birds depends on collective action to ensure their survival and the health of our oceans.