Modified Purse Seines to Reduce Seabird Bycatch in a Chilean Reduction Fishery

Chilean purse-seine fisheries comprise approximately 500 artisanal vessels and have historically experienced high levels of seabird bycatch, particularly involving Pink-footed shearwaters and Black-browed albatrosses. To address this issue, a Modified Purse Seine (MPS) was developed through a collaborative effort among the fishing industry, BirdLife International, and net manufacturers to reduce the risk of seabird entanglement.

The MPS design targets sections of the net where seabird entanglement is most likely to occur. Key modifications include the introduction of a novel buoy-mounting system, adjustments to mesh size, and the removal of excess netting material. Trials of the modified gear demonstrated a 98% reduction in the bycatch of diving seabirds without affecting the catch of target species. In addition to its conservation benefits, the modified design reduced material requirements, resulting in cost savings for fishers. This innovation was recognized as one of the leading environmental initiatives in Latin America in 2017.

Through a project led by BirdLife International and supported by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), five vessels have already implemented these gear modifications. The proposed project will expand these efforts by upgrading an additional five artisanal purse-seine vessels targeting sardine and anchovy, advancing the transition toward a fleet-wide adoption of Modified Purse Seines in south-central Chile.

In addition to gear modifications, the project will deliver training workshops for vessel captains and crew members. These workshops will provide instruction on the structural modifications required for the gear, as well as best practices for implementation, maintenance, and ongoing performance to ensure effective and durable seabird bycatch mitigation.

The project is expected to be implemented between August 2026 and September 2027.