Bycatch risk assessment of the Laysan albatross in the Mexican Pacific

Overview

This repository hosts the code and analytical workflows supporting a doctoral thesis on seabird–fishery interactions in the Mexican Pacific. The project aims to quantify bycatch risk by integrating seabird tracking data, fisheries data, and spatial analysis.

Bycatch is a global conservation issue: approximately 25% of total fisheries catch is incidental, and albatrosses are highly vulnerable to longline and trawl fisheries. Despite high fishing activity, significant information gaps remain in the Mexican Pacific.

Research question

What is the bycatch risk of the Laysan albatross associated with commercial fishing in the Mexican Pacific?

Hypothesis: Laysan albatross foraging areas overlap with fishing zones, increasing bycatch risk.

Project structure

The project is organized into three analytical components:

• Chapter I: Identify key seabird areas and evaluate protection under MPAs
• Chapter II: Quantify spatial overlap with fisheries (potential risk)
• Chapter III: Identify behavioral interactions (effective risk)

Data

• Seabird GPS tracking data
• Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) data (CONAPESCA)
• AIS data (Global Fishing Watch)

Methods

• Kernel Density Estimation (utilization distributions)
• Spatial overlap metrics
• Behavioral classification (foraging vs transit)
• Fishing activity inference from vessel trajectories

Workflow

1. Process tracking and vessel data
2. Estimate seabird space use
3. Quantify spatial overlap
4. Identify interaction events and risk

Outputs

• Maps of key seabird areas
• Overlap and risk estimates
• Interaction hotspots