Larry's Gallery:   Flesh-footed Shearwater (3/3)

PROCELLARIIFORMES: Procellariidae

Ardenna carneipes  

The current main threat to the Flesh-footed Shearwater in Australian waters is long-line fishing operations (Australian Antarctic Division 2006; Baker et al. 2002; Baker & Wise 2005; Gales et al. 1998).

The birds can be killed or injured when they ingest baited hooks during the setting or hauling of long-lines; become hooked or entangled in fishing gear other than that being targeted; ingest hooks embedded in discarded scraps; or are shot by fishermen.

The main cause of mortality is drowning when hooked birds are dragged underwater by the weight of the long-line. This most frequently occurs during setting of the long-line (Australian Antarctic Division 2005a; Baker et al. 2002).