Stocktake of measures for mitigating the incidental capture of seabirds in New Zealand commercial fisheries. Report to Southern Seabirds Solutions Trust by Parker Conservation.

This report aims to collate key information about methods developed to mitigate incidental seabird mortality, with a particular focus on the development and testing undertaken for each. This will allow government and stakeholders to plan the type of support each mitigation measure may need and prioritise amongst them where needed. This project also aims to inform fishermen of the status of each of these mitigation measures.

The scope of this report includes mitigation measures (device or fishing practice) that have potential application in New Zealand commercial long-line, trawl or set net fisheries.

At the beginning of each fisheries section a table lists the mitigation methods included in the section and the current status of development of each. The following information will be summarised for each mitigation measure, by fishing method:
• Name of mitigation measure
• Current status of development of each measure
-­ Early prototype / functionality
-­ Limited efficacy testing
-­ Broader efficacy testing (may require refinement)
-­ Tested comprehensively in most relevant fisheries and gear types
-­ Tested comprehensively in all relevant fisheries and gear types
• Current use of each measure (internationally)
-­ Not in use / very limited use
-­ Used in some fisheries
-­ Widespread use
• Brief description of mitigation measure and how it works
• Description of results of development to date (where relevant)
• Description of results of testing to date, reported against the ACAP criteria
• Hurdles to uptake in New Zealand
• Past and current funders and developers (if applicable)
• Development and testing needed to meet ACAP’s six criteria:
i. Effectiveness
Individual fishing technologies and techniques should be selected from those shown by experimental research to significantly reduce the rate of incidental seabird mortality to
the lowest achievable levels.
ii. Proven specifications and standardsFishing technologies and techniques, or a combination thereof, shall have clear and proven specifications and minimum performance standards for their deployment and use.
iii. Likely uptake
Fishing technologies and techniques shall be demonstrated to be practical, cost effective and widely available
iv. Effect on target catch
Fishing technologies and techniques should, to the extent practicable, maintain catch rates of target species.
v. Effect on non-target catch
Fishing technologies and techniques should, to the extent practicable not increase the bycatch of other taxa.
vi. Compliance
Minimum performance standards and methods of ensuring compliance should be provided for fishing technologies and techniques, and should be clearly specified in fishery regulations.
• Costs per vessel for installation/uptake (if available)