Developing methods to review the effectiveness of seabird bycatch mitigation regulations in tuna RFMOs

The five tuna commissions have established requirements for their pelagic longline vessels to use seabird bycatch mitigation measures in most areas overlapping with albatrosses. In ICCAT and IOTC there are stated intentions to review the effectiveness of these methods in 2015 and 2016, respectively, and there are commitments to regular review in WCPFC, IATTC and CCSBT. However, methodologies or criteria for review have not yet been defined. This paper invites SBWG views on potential appropriate methods or minimum elements, and highlights the advantages that would result from harmonizing monitoring methods across the tuna RFMOs, in order that cumulative impacts on albatrosses can be monitored.