California Congressman Introduces Bill to Reduce Seabird Deaths

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 4, 2016)—Today, Representative Alan Lowenthal (D-CA) introduced the Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act, which would enable U.S. federal agencies to comply with an international agreement aimed to reduce seabird deaths by longline fishing and other threats. The National Audubon Society issued the following statement:

“Hook, line and sinker is literally how hundreds of thousands of seabirds die every year,” said David Yarnold, president and CEO of the National Audubon Society. “With more than half of the world’s albatross and petrel species facing extinction, it's time to protect these incredible birds from such needless deaths. This legislation makes sense for birds and makes sense for people, and we call on members of Congress to get it across the finish line.”

Thirteen nations have already signed on to the 11-year-old Agreement on Conservation of Albatross and Petrels (ACAP), which promotes research, raises awareness, restores habitats and reduces threats to 31 species of birds, many of which are critically endangered. 

To learn more about ACAP, please click here.

The National Audubon Society saves birds and their habitats throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon's state programs, nature centers, chapters and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite diverse communities in conservation action. Since 1905, Audubon's vision has been a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Audubon is a nonprofit conservation organization. Learn more at www.audubon.org and @audubonsociety.

###

Contact: Nicolas Gonzalez, ngonzalez@audubon.org, 212-979-3068