As yellow-eyed penguins disappear, conservationists focus on deaths in fishing nets
Sandfly Bay on New Zealand’s Otago Peninsula was once a key nesting area for yellow-eyed penguins, but the beach has gone quiet. In 2024, the last breeding-age female at the site died, while conservationists are focusing on penguin deaths in fishing nets as the species declines.
Sandfly Bay on the Otago Peninsula in Aotearoa New Zealand was long a key nesting area for yellow-eyed penguins, also known as hoiho. The beach, like others nearby, has since gone quiet.
In 2024, the last breeding-age female at Sandfly Bay died. Conservationists are focusing on deaths in fishing nets as yellow-eyed penguins disappear.
THE QUESTIONS THIS EVENT LEAVES BEHIND
What conditions determine whether fishing nets can be modified to reduce penguin deaths?
Who is responsible for monitoring penguin deaths in fishing nets?
What economic incentives influence fishing practices in the penguins’ range?
How might the loss of breeding-age females affect the remaining population?
What evidence would distinguish fishing-net deaths from other causes of decline?
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GLOBAL CURIOSITY MAP · SEPTEMBER 2026