Research and conservation: a future for albatrosses?

The major recent advances in studies of albatross biology, ecology and conservation are reviewed. In addition to highlights arising during the first Albatross Conference, pioneering research on topics little covered therein (e.g., behaviour, moult, diet, physiology) are summarised. Important topics and opportunities for future research are suggested. The major historical and current threats to albatrosses are reviewed and the priority initiatives needed to tackle the latest – and greatest – threat, that of incidental mortality associated with longline fisheries, summarised.