Bycatch
Definition
Bycatch is the unintentional capture of non-target species in commercial fishing operations. Penguins, particularly those foraging near industrial fishing zones, can become entangled in gillnets and trawl nets and drown. Humboldt, Magellanic, and yellow-eyed penguins are among the species most affected by bycatch. Mitigation measures include seasonal fishing closures around breeding colonies, the use of penguin-excluding devices on nets, and acoustic deterrents. Despite these efforts, bycatch remains a significant source of mortality for several endangered penguin populations.
Related Terms
A marine protected area (MPA) is a designated region of ocean where human activities such as fishing, mining, and shipping are restricted to conserve marine biodiversity.
Population trend describes whether a species is increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown over a defined time period, typically three generations.
Related Species
Species where bycatch is especially relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does bycatch mean in penguin biology?
Bycatch is the unintentional capture of non-target species in commercial fishing operations. Penguins, particularly those foraging near industrial fishing zones, can become entangled in gillnets and trawl nets and drown. Humboldt, Magellanic, and yellow-eyed penguins are among the species most affected by bycatch. Mitigation measures include seasonal fishing closures around breeding colonies, the use of penguin-excluding devices on nets, and acoustic deterrents. Despite these efforts, bycatch remains a significant source of mortality for several endangered penguin populations.
Keep learning
Glossary entries define the language. FAQ answers common questions; guides carry the longer Survival Lab arguments.
More in conservationWhere this definition comes from
Reference bodies behind the conservation terminology. Links last checked August 5, 2026.
- IUCN Red List - Global conservation assessments and extinction-risk categories.
- BirdLife Data Zone - Species accounts, distribution, and population summaries.
- SANCCOB - African penguin rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation context.