Fishing Threatens The Yellow-eyed Penguin
The survival of penguins is constantly challenged by the fishing industry. But the case of the yellow-eyed penguin ( Megadyptes antipodes or “penguin of the antipodes”) is particularly serious, given that its population is decreasing visibly.
The endangered yellow-eyed penguin
The yellow-eyed penguin is the latest member of the genus Megadyptes . This bird lives in southeastern New Zealand, specifically in the South Island, Stewart Island and the Campbell and Auckland archipelagos.
This species is recognized for its characteristic yellow eyes, from which it takes its name. It can reach 70 cm in height, a size much smaller than larger species (such as the emperor penguin) but greater than most other families. Compared to its weight, this aquatic bird can reach over 8 kg.
In addition, this penguin lays its eggs in August and the pairs build their nest in the dense vegetation of the New Zealand islands. During this period, it assumes a very territorial and aggressive behavior, due to the need to defend the egg that father and mother will cover together, in turn.
The current population is estimated at around 6,000, although there are only 1,500 pairs with reproductive capabilities, which leads this species to be included in the list of endangered animals. It is the most threatened penguin of all. At the basis of the possible disappearance of this bird there is fishing, as we will explain later.
The penguin threatened by trawling
The problem is that penguins are unable to see fishermen’s nets in the water, so they get entangled and often drown, trapped. A recent study shows the damage being caused by the use of trawling nets, which are the leading cause of death for this species in New Zealand. Here there has been a drop in the population of as much as 75%.
Previous research had shown that boats kill 35 penguins each year, but in reality this is a statistic that affects only 3% of the boats used for trawling, in the areas where the yellow-eyed penguin lives and reproduces. . The death toll is therefore much higher. The biologists in charge of the study fear that, at this rate, the species will become extinct in the coming years.
A conservation project has been launched which plans to install video cameras on all boats that fish in this penguin ‘s habitat . There are also plans to ban fishing activities in some key areas of New Zealand. A similar process was developed in the Arctic area, to prevent the relentlessness of fishermen in the new open areas due to the thaw.
How to avoid the extinction of the penguin?
Many times, when we talk about threatened species, it seems difficult to understand how this relates to what we do every day. Intensive fishing is usually done by trawling, which damages the seafloor and traps many non-commercial species, such as penguins. This type of fishing affects many other species of animals, such as dolphins or sharks.
The consumption of meat and fish should be done in moderation, due to the high cost of obtaining it compared to plant products. But even more important is aiming for reduced consumption and sustainable fishing. So, if you want to make your contribution, buy only national or even regional fish. It is the best way to protect the environment and prevent species like this penguin from disappearing.
