CCAMLR

During the 2003/04, 2004/05 and 2005/06 seasons, 5883 seabirds were observed to have been killed incidentally in the legal longline fishery operating in the Crozet and Kerguelen EEZs. The estimate of mortality derived from these observations amounts to between 7 766 and 10 541 birds caught. The great majority (between 84 and 91% depending on the season) were white-chinned petrels, the males of which species seem to be more vulnerable to this type of mortality. Grey petrels were also caught incidentally in large numbers (576 individuals) over the same period, and represent between 9 and 16% of incidental catches, depending on the season. No albatrosses were caught during this period. A multivariate analysis has helped to highlight the fact that a complex combination of variables, relating to both the environment and fishing techniques, leads to the incidental capture of white-chinned and grey petrels. Our results suggest that a significant proportion of the mortality of white-chinned and grey petrels can be explained by the effects of season and geographical area. This mortality takes place almost exclusively during the breeding season. The highest mortality of white-chinned and grey petrels occurs during the chick-raising period. White-chinned petrels are mainly caught during the austral summer (from September to April) and grey petrels between April and November. The incidental catch varies according to geographical area, being higher at Kerguelen (where there are geographical disparities) than at Crozet. On the basis of the conclusions of this analysis we suggest a series of recommendations aimed at reducing this cause of incidental mortality in the two main species affected: the white-chinned petrel and the grey petrel. It is imperative that urgent note be taken of the considerable impact of the fishery on the grey petrel and that the Conservation Measures be modified accordingly in order to drastically reduce incidental mortality, failing which the population of grey petrels at Kerguelen will most probably face extinction within thirty years. Also proposed are recommendations regarding incidental catches during hauling.

During its 26th Meeting, the Scientific Committee 'noted the ongoing efforts to use and develop effective mitigation measures in the French EEZ fisheries and that France continues to reduce its total seabird by-catch (13% decrease from the previous season). However, the seabird captures during longline fishing in the French EEZs are the only remaining substantial seabird by-catch in the Convention Area. The Scientific Committee recommended that France strive to eliminate the incidental mortality of seabirds in accordance with CCAMLR policies and practices'. This document summarises the papers submitted by France in response to the recommendations recorded in paragraph 5.6 of the Scientific Committee report. Some of these recommendations have been implemented without specific comments being made. Where the recommendations have led to a specific development, study or report, details are given below.

France's action plan aims to reduce considerably seabird by-catch by longliners operating in the Crozet and Kerguelen EEZs. The aim of the present document is to list the set of measures that France will pursue in the next few years to limit bird mortality. The plan will also list the measures which have been implemented since 2002 to limit seabird by-catch. This action plan is submitted in response to the recommendation made during the CCAMLR-XXVI meeting that France should 'urgently submit a strategic plan to eliminate seabird mortality' (SC-CAMLR-XXVI, paragraph 5.6 (vii)).