Albatrosses and Petrels Need Our Help

Albatrosses and petrels are some of the most endangered birds on the planet. Unfortunately, these magnificent birds die tragic deaths—they become entangled in fishing lines and are drowned. To ensure long-term survival for these global birds, we need international cooperation. The United States, already a world leader in seabird conservation, should ratify the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels.

Ask your members of Congress to support this treaty. You can send the sample letter below, or edit with your own words for even greater impact.

NOTE: Dear [Decision Maker] will be replaced with the names of your members of Congress, and your name and address will automatically be added to the bottom of the letter. For more information about the treaty, download our fact sheet.

A Black-browed Albatross cares for its chick. (Photo by BMJ/Shutterstock)

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• Your Representative

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Sample Letter:

Consider adding your own thoughts before sending—personalized messages are more effective.

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Dear  [Decision Maker],

I
am writing to urge you to cosponsor legislation that addresses the
survival of some of the most endangered birds on the planet. Of the 22
species of albatrosses, 19 are threatened with extinction and more than
half of the petrel species are endangered as well. Unfortunately, these
magnificent birds die tragic deaths–they become entangled in fishing
lines and are drowned. To ensure long-term survival for these global
birds, we need international cooperation.

This important legislation provides the framework for the United States
to implement the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and
Petrels, an Treaty” title=”Treaty” rel=”wikipedia” target=”_blank”>international treaty that more than a dozen countries have
already signed. It would allow us to showcase United States leadership
on this issue–the U.S. fishing fleet already uses the
easy-to-implement, low-cost solutions that are 97% effective in reducing
avian mortality from Longline fishing” rel=”wikipedia” target=”_blank”>long-line fishing. Passing this legislation is the
first step in giving our negotiators the leverage they need to press
other countries to implement these same common sense measures and help
conserve these magnificent birds.

It would require no new regulations and no expenditures from the budget.
And this legislation enjoys bipartisan support–it was first proposed
and introduced by the Bush administration and is included on the
priority list of treaties supported by the Obama administration. Please cosponsor legislation to implement the Agreement for the
Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, and work toward final passage.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]

 

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