Southern Seabirds

06/06/2026

What gets in the way of seabird-safe fishing on high seas tuna vessels? And what could be done to fix this?

We heard the answers to these questions from high seas fishing companies and industry bodies at a recent APEC Capacity Gaps Analysis Workshop we co-sponsored.

From rough weather and gear tangles to crew safety and operational demands, participants shared candid insights into the barriers they face and ideas for overcoming them.

These fleets fish alongside vulnerable albatross and petrel species, so we need to step into their shoes and understand what can be done.

Photo credits

Gibsons albatross: Peter Langlands

Crew on high seas tuna boat: Fransisco Blaha

21/05/2026

One day in a dark burrow.

The next, flying across the Pacific Ocean.

47 fledgling black petrels/tākoketai have been fitted with live trackers to help understand why fewer than 10% ever return home to breed.

With fewer than 5,000 breeding pairs remaining, every journey matters.

Follow their journey here: https://liveocean.org/project/tracking-the-takoketai/?utm_campaign=30788101-Black%20Petrel&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--dFQUZSOJHbZ9dVGihFwUGQ42hU4x5HuYvcgwKMeX2XbJGTcHqGc0aTdT9quwRSvzFxiZu_RWMj8f29adez65fcjegoz5oF7oAnnerHTGDv3QuWaI&_hsmi=419660989&utm_content=419660989&utm_source=hs_email

Photo credits:
Photo: 1 Shaun Lee
Photo: 2 Philip Griffin

15/05/2026

31 years. One extraordinary seabird champion. 2026 marks Biz Bell’s 31st year monitoring black petrels/tākoketai on Aotea / Great Barrier Island.

Biz has been an incredible advocate for black petrels/tākoketai. Fishers, school children, politicians, media, conservationists, and countless others have joined Biz and her team at the colony and experienced unforgettable encounters with these extraordinary birds.

Many describe the experience of visiting the colony with Biz as life changing. Her knowledge, passion, and generosity have inspired countless people to care deeply about the future of black petrels/tākoketai.

Thank you, Biz, for your extraordinary dedication and for inspiring so many others along the way.

10/05/2026

29/04/2026

“Flying pandas” — a term used at a workshop to reflect how important albatrosses are to New Zealand, much like pandas are to China.

Asian tuna industry companies, along with tuna buyers, gear manufacturers, seabird scientists, NGOs, and government officials met to brainstorm how to overcome barriers to seabird-safe fishing.

Captains and crew are dealing with real constraints at sea — safety, fatigue, gear performance in rough conditions. Until those realities are addressed, seabird-safe practices won’t stick.

This APEC funded workshop, which we proudly co-sponsored, was about closing that gap.

No quick fixes. But a clearer, shared understanding of what needs to change.

22/04/2026

Boat ramp conversations hit a little differently this summer

We met fishers who get it — who see seabirds as part of the whole picture out on the water.

We heard things like:
“We need birds — they show us where the fish are.”
Families keen to learn simple ways to protect wildlife
Fishers sharing their own tips on how to avoid harming birds

There was curiosity, openness, and a real willingness to do better — and that’s where real change begins.

Because when people care, small actions turn into big impact.

17/03/2026

We were proud to be part of Seaweek in Whitianga, where Ann spent time with local teachers and children sharing the amazing world of seabirds.

18/12/2025

This time of year Frank and other Antipodean albatrosses are returning to their breeding grounds to find their mates and repair their nests ready for their egg.

Let’s help keep Frank and his mate alive to raise their chick.

Seabird-Safe Fishing!

Merry Xmas, everyone.

Photo Credit: Charlie Barnett

05/12/2025

🎣 Exciting Team Update!
We’re thrilled to welcome Isabelle to the SST whānau! 💙

For the past two years, Ann has pioneered our recreational fishing programme — creating innovative, community-centred approaches that support safer, more sustainable fishing practices across Aotearoa. Her dedication has laid a powerful foundation, and now we’re ready to take this mahi to the next level.

Isabelle joins us to extend and grow this programme, bringing fresh energy, strong industry knowledge, and a deep passion for protecting our marine environments while empowering recreational fishers.

Together, Ann and Isabelle will continue strengthening partnerships, enhancing education, and ensuring our work reflects the needs of fishers, whānau, and coastal communities nationwide.

Please join us in giving Isabelle a huge welcome and in celebrating the incredible momentum Ann has created. The future of recreational fishing at SST is looking brighter than ever! 🌊🐟💙