Bycatch of yellow-eyed penguins (Megadyptes antipodes) in gillnets in New Zealand waters 1979-1997

Between 1979 and 1997, autopsies of 185 yellow-eyed penguins were conducted as part of a long-term study of their population biology. Twenty-one penguins known to have been drowned in gillnets were used to compile a set of physical features and injuries characteristic of death by gillnet entanglement. A further 21 birds whose cause of death was initially unknown showed features consistent with death by gillnet entanglement. Fishers reported a further 30 gillnet entanglements to government agencies. Considering the rarity of this species on the South Island of New Zealand, gillnet entanglement is interpreted to be a significant threat to South Island populations. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.