A review of incidental cetacean bycatch reporting in EU waters

This review determines the state of cetacean bycatch reporting in EU waters as reflected in a 2019 European Union report. The objective was to determine the extent to which cetacean bycatch data and methods could inform the development of an indicator of ICCAT fisheries impacts on cetaceans. The report suggests the need for ICCAT to work with other RFMOs to jointly develop a sampling framework that will provide the data required to identify status indicators and thresholds that will allow risks to be managed. The experiences conveyed in the report also show the importance of coordination of efforts between scientists, managers and fishing entities.