Opportunities in ports to improve data in order to review the effectiveness of seabird measures

This paper highlights the importance of expanding the sources of data on implementation of seabird bycatch mitigation measures via port inspection. The planned review of the effectiveness of Rec. 11-09 on seabird bycatch has been severely hampered by a lack of data, and the requirement to conduct an update assessment of the effectiveness of the mitigation measures by 2015 has not been met. Recognising that ICCAT has a scheme for minimum standards for inspection in port (Rec. 12-07), the addition of elements relevant to seabird bycatch to this scheme would provide a valuable supplementary data source on the nature and extent of the use of various measures mandated under Rec. 11-09, through limited additional effort. Such an approach would be complementary to existing data sources and would not replace them. We make suggestions of the data fields that could be used in ICCAT port inspection forms, and highlight the need for inspector training and materials to support such an approach.

RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The SBWG agree on the data fields that could be used in port inspection forms to collect relevant information on the use of mitigation measures;
2. The SBWG agree on the value of incorporating seabird elements in port inspection training programmes.