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Bycatch (Non-target Animals)

estimated individuals globally

Consumption Rates

Based on an annual estimate of approximately 500,000,000,000, derived from Oceana / FAO.

1,369,863,013

per day

57,077,625

per hour

951,293

per minute

15,854

per second

41,666,666,666

per month

346,279,859,240

so far this year (est.)

Bycatch refers to non-target marine animals caught and killed unintentionally during commercial fishing. Estimates range from 300-800 billion individuals annually, derived from tonnage data and average species sizes.

Consumption by Region

Asia-Pacific

45%

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Americas

25%

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Europe

15%

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Africa

10%

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Other

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Key Statistics

Estimated annual bycatch

~40%

Of global catch

Sharks killed as bycatch

~50 million/year

Sea turtles caught

~250,000/year

Dolphins/porpoises

~300,000/year

Seabirds killed

~400,000/year

Shrimp trawling ratio

5:1

Bycatch to shrimp

Discarded at sea

Most bycatch

Longline hooks set

~1.4 billion/year

Ghost fishing

640,000+ tons

Lost gear

Albatross deaths

~100,000/year

From longlines

Juvenile fish caught

Billions

Ecosystem impact

Cascading

Context Beyond the Numbers

Approximately 40% of the global marine catch is bycatch, representing hundreds of billions of animals killed unintentionally each year.

For every pound of shrimp caught by trawling, up to 5 pounds of other marine life is killed and typically discarded.

Bycatch is a leading cause of mortality for several endangered dolphin, whale, and sea turtle species.

Longline fishing kills approximately 100,000 albatrosses annually, contributing to population declines across multiple species.

Lost and abandoned fishing gear, known as ghost nets, continue killing marine animals for decades after being discarded.

Observer coverage on commercial fishing vessels is often less than 5%, meaning bycatch is significantly underreported.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bycatch (non-target animals) are estimated individuals each year?

Based on annual estimates, approximately 500,000,000,000 bycatch (non-target animals) are estimated individuals globally each year.

How many bycatch (non-target animals) are estimated individuals per day?

Approximately 1,369,863,013 bycatch (non-target animals) are estimated individuals per day worldwide, based on an annual estimate of 500,000,000,000.

How many bycatch (non-target animals) are estimated individuals per second?

Approximately 15,854 bycatch (non-target animals) are estimated individuals per second — equivalent to 951,293 per minute and 57,077,625 per hour.

Which region accounts for the largest share of bycatch (non-target animals) estimated individuals?

Asia-Pacific accounts for approximately 45% of global bycatch (non-target animals) estimated individuals.

Related Statistics

Source & Methodology

Baseline: Oceana / FAO

Reference year: Not recorded in this source record

HumanConsumption.Live converts this authoritative annual estimate into a continuously updating rate across the current calendar year. The counter visualizes that pace; it is not a direct real-time measurement from the source organization.