European Union Plan of Action for reducing incidental catches of searbirds in fishing gears

We endorse the European Commission Plan of Action for reducing incidental catches of seabirds in fishing gears (COM (2012)665 final). We consider it a vital and long overdue initiative towards tackling seabird bycatch in EU - and external waters, implementing an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management, and contributing to the achievement of good environmental status under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.