What significant danger arises for Wandering Albatrosses that consume fishery discards?
Answer
Entanglement and subsequent drowning, known as bycatch
While fishery discards—such as fish scraps and processing waste thrown from longline vessels—offer an easy source of high-calorie food, this supplementary diet introduces severe risks. The albatrosses' scavenging instinct draws them into dangerous proximity to active fishing gear. This close interaction frequently results in the birds becoming entangled in the fishing lines or nets. This entanglement leads directly to the significant threat of drowning, a mortality event categorized specifically as bycatch, which fundamentally impacts the conservation status of the species.
Related Questions
What is the dual vital function of the stomach oil produced by Diomedea exulans?What three main groups constitute the staple diet components for the Wandering Albatross?Which feeding technique do Wandering Albatrosses primarily employ rather than deep diving?Where are the salt glands located that enable the albatross to excrete excess salt concentrate?How is the large, hooked bill of the Wandering Albatross adapted for consuming slippery prey?What critical factor regarding prey intake is deemed more important than the volume consumed daily for sustained flight?In which specific internal organ does the Wandering Albatross store the highly concentrated stomach oil?What significant danger arises for Wandering Albatrosses that consume fishery discards?What common upper range for the wingspan of the Wandering Albatross is referenced when discussing foraging efficiency?Why does prey found beyond the immediate photic zone contribute less to the albatross's daily energy budget?