A comparative analysis of the behavioral response to fishing boats in two albatross species

Anthropogenic food resources have significantly modified the foraging behavior of many animal species. They enhance large multi-specific aggregations of individuals, with strong ecological consequences. It is challenging to predict how individuals or species can differ in their reaction to these resources. For instance, there are wide variations in seabird species abundance behind fishing boats, and individual variations in interaction rates. Whether this is reflecting variations in fine-scale encounter rates or rather variations in attraction strength is poorly quantified. Here we compare the response of Wandering (WA) and Black-browed (BBA) albatrosses to fishing boats operating in sub-Antarctic waters. We use GPS tracking data from both birds and boats (Vessel Monitoring System). Attraction distances were similar between the 2 species (up to 30 km). BBA foraged further from fishing grounds and encountered boats less frequently than WA, but once they encountered a boat BBA were more s...