New Zealand is the ‘seabird capital’ of the world. Our waters and offshore islands are the breeding grounds for more albatross and petrel species than any other country. But, while they breed here, many of these birds live much of their lives elsewhere.

Wherever they go, these seabirds have learnt the easiest way to get food is to forage at the back of fishing vessels, where they risk becoming caught on baited hooks or entangled in fishing gear.

Such accidental death from fishing is the key threat to the survival of many of these ocean-going birds. If we don’t change the way we fish, many of these species will disappear. According to the IUCN Red List, 18 albatross species are classified vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered.

Registered as a Charitable Trust with the New Zealand Charities Commission, Southern Seabird Solutions Trust's vision is that:

We aim to do this by working towards the following Strategic Goals:

• Culture Change - A lasting culture of mitigation the effects of fishing on seabirds is established in each fishery throughout the Southern Hemisphere
• Supporting Collaboration - Multi-stakeholder organisations with similar goals to Southern Seabird Solutions Trust are established in all major Southern Hemisphere fishing areas
• Mitigation Development and Knowledge Transfer - Continued development of new mitigation methods with implementation of existing mitigation methods taken up across all fleets fishing the in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Recognising Success - Reductions in incidental seabird mortalities are celebrated and recognised.
• Strengthening the Trust - Build the Trust's brand to attract funding and strengthen our reputation so others wish to work with us.

Central to the way in which we work is the Trust Approach, with a focus on:

• Working in Partnership
• Doing projects that utilise the Trust's strengths to ensure Maximum Impact
• Ensuring projects remain Specific, Measurable, Acheivable, Relevant and Timebound (SMART)

Southern Seabird Solutions Trust is an innovative alliance that includes representatives from the fishing industry, government, Maori organisations and environmental groups that supports and encourages fishers in southern ocean fleets to adopt responsible fishing practices.

Our scope extends beyond New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone because seabirds that breed in New Zealand territory are global travellers, roaming the oceans as far afield as Southern Africa, Australia, Japan, and North and South America.

We believe that fishermen themselves hold the key to solving the issue of seabird injuries and deaths during fishing. Our projects aim to educate, support and encourage fishermen to take ownership of this problem and find solutions.

We use role models among fishermen to champion new ideas and behaviours. We promote good fishing practices by providing publicity and recognition to individuals and companies who are taking positive action.

Because of the multinational lifestyle of many seabirds, particularly albatrosses and petrels, a coordinated effort between countries is essential to safeguard their future.

Southern Seabird Solutions works alongside governments, agencies and individuals around the world to spread the ‘seabird smart’ word.