Skip to main content

    Information on levels of seabird by-catch in fisheries adjacent to the CAMLR Convention Area

    Request Meeting Document
    Document Number:
    CCAMLR-XXXIII/BG/15 Rev. 1
    Author(s):
    Submitted by ACAP
    Submitted By:
    Ms Doro Forck (CCAMLR Secretariat)
    Abstract

    The purpose of this paper is to respond to a request made at the XXXII CCAMLR meeting in 2013 for ACAP to provide information on the levels of seabird bycatch in fisheries adjacent to the CCAMLR Convention area. A summary of the most recent bycatch and related information held by ACAP is presented, and the current status of the process to develop a bycatch data reporting and assessment framework is reported. It is noted that work is ongoing in this respect, and that the information provided represents that which has been provided by Parties to date, and that these data have not yet been further assessed or analysed. In relation to Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs), it is reported that there is a general need to improve levels of bycatch reporting, and in some cases to develop or refine data collection and reporting protocols, so that levels of seabird bycatch and the efficacy of mitigation measures required can be properly assessed and monitored. Initiatives that are currently underway to help address these needs are highlighted.