Identification of minimum elements to review the effectiveness of seabird bycatch mitigation regulations in tuna RFMOs

Citation
ACAP Intersessional Group (2014) Identification of minimum elements to review the effectiveness of seabird bycatch mitigation regulations in tuna RFMOs. ACAP, Punta del Este, Uruguay
Abstract

In April 2013, at the seventh meeting of the Advisory Committee of the Agreement for the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, an intersessional group was established to discuss what methods might be most appropriate to review the effectiveness of seabird bycatch mitigation regulations in tuna RFMOs, and to identify minimum elements that should be considered. This document provides information on the work of this group, together with opportunities that could be considered for additional work.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. That the SBWG review and endorse the recommendations of the intersessional group regarding:
• elements for reviewing RFMO bycatch mitigation requirements against best practice mitigation advice
• minimum RFMO data collection standards for seabird bycatch
• elements to measure implementation of RFMO seabird CMMs
• the approach to monitoring seabird bycatch in RFMOs
2. That the SBWG consider and provide advice on additional future work of this group specifically in relation to the 2015 ICCAT review, and the WCPFC discussion of management objectives.
3. That the SBWG consider and provide advice on efforts to harmonise methods to review the effectiveness of seabird bycatch mitigation measures across tuna and other RFMOs.