Minimising Bycatch of Sensitive Species Groups in marine Capture Fisheries: Lessons from Tuna Fisheries

Fishing pressure has reached a level where it is causing ocean basin-scale declines of the highly fecund, widely distributed tunas. Ecosystem effects from bycatch of seabirds, sea turtles, marine mammals and sharks in longline and purse seine tuna fisheries may put some species at risk of extinction. Bycatch of juvenile and undersized tunas is also problematic in purse seine fisheries. There has been progress only in identifying effective bycatch reduction methods for seabirds and sea turtles on longlines and direct mortality of dolphins in purse seines. Despite the availability of effective bycatch reduction methods for seabirds and sea turtles in pelagic longline fisheries that, in some cases, also increase fishing efficiency and provide operational benefits, few fleets likely employ them, no binding measures have been adopted by an intergovernmental organization to address sea turtle bycatch, and while three regional fisheries management organizations have binding measures to reduce seabird bycatch, these require improvements. While direct dolphin mortality has been substantially reduced in Eastern Pacific purse seine fisheries, the possibility that dolphin-associated sets hinder recovery of dolphin populations requires attention. Requiring sets to be made only on free-swimming tuna schools would avoid most purse seine bycatch problems. Regional fisheries management organization effectiveness has been hampered by industry lobbying, interference by politicians, and the inability of member states to reach consensus on needed restrictions to achieve sustainable tuna fisheries. Restructuring regional fisheries management organizations so that their scientific committees are independent from lobbying and political influence, and modifying legal frameworks so that scientific committee recommendations must be adopted could rectify this situation. Providing adequate international observer coverage would allow for accurate assessment of bycatch trends and levels, and improve compliance with conservation and management measures. Establishing and managing a representative system of protected area networks on the high seas could contribute to improved tuna fisheries management. Despite recognition by the tuna fishing industry that their long-term viability relies on the availability of tuna resources at sustainable and optimal levels, voluntary industry actions to reverse and prevent further overexploitation and manage bycatch have been limited. Getting the fishing industry more involved in its own governance could instil a sense of industry responsibility for sustainable practices. Where regulators and the fishing industry have failed, the relatively new demand for sustainable sources of seafood in some marketplaces may improve tuna production practices and management. Confusion and diminished consumer confidence created by the recent proliferation of competing certification and eco-labeling programs could be addressed through adoption of minimum, harmonized sustainability standards and consolidation of programs.