Policy & Advocacy

Seabirds cross national borders and international waters. Protecting them needs laws and agreements at every level.

International agreements

Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP): an international treaty focused on these highly threatened birds.
Ramsar Convention: protects wetlands of international importance, including many coastal sites.
Convention on Migratory Species: promotes cooperation for animals that cross borders.

National and regional laws

Laws such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States and the Birds Directive in the European Union protect seabirds and their habitats.

Where advocacy works

Requiring proven bycatch mitigation in fisheries.
Designating marine protected areas based on tracking data.
Funding island restoration and biosecurity.
Setting forage fish catch limits that leave enough for wildlife.

Making your voice count

Respond to public consultations, support organizations with a policy focus, and share clear evidence. Well-documented local data, including citizen science records, can carry real weight.