Assessment of Incidental Catch of Waved Albatrosses ( <scp> <i>Phoebastria irrorata</i> </scp> ) in Small‐Scale Fisheries on the Northern Coast of Peru

ABSTRACT The waved albatross ( Phoebastria irrorata ) is a critically endangered species ranging from the Galápagos Islands to northern Chile, often foraging in coastal waters off Peru. We assessed bycatch in Peruvian small‐scale fisheries to identify high‐risk gear types and areas of waved albatross bycatch using an interview‐based approach. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 361 fishers across 11 ports in northern and central Peru between April 2022 and June 2023, covering longlines, gillnets, and jigging fisheries. Bycatch was reported in 10 of the 11 ports, with an estimated annual total number of interactions (includes animals released alive, injured, or potentially dead) exceeding 1200 waved albatrosses, mainly in surface longline and gillnet fisheries. Multiple Correspondence Analysis showed associations between bycatch events, large pelagic fisheries, and gear characteristics such as J‐hooks and large mesh sizes. Spatial variation in bycatch rates and overlap with key foraging areas highlight the need for region‐specific management. Overall, waved albatross bycatch remains widespread along the Peruvian coast, emphasizing the urgency of targeted mitigation, improved monitoring, fisher participation, and strengthened Peru–Ecuador cooperation.