DNA method could reveal which NZ seabirds are killed by fisheries

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2026-04-01 08:38

New Zealand

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To improve identification of birds accidentally killed by fisheries, NZ researchers have found an easier way to distinguish between species using their DNA. The researchers created a database of how a particular region of DNA differs between 36 species of birds. When they tested their method, they successfully identified 75% of the species. The researchers say that more accurate identification of species most at risk of fishery bycatch could help guide both fisheries and conservation management to improve protection for NZ's threatened seabirds.