Improvement of data quality of seabird bycatch in the Japanese scientific observer program

Catch data of target and non-target species have been collected by the Japanese scientific observer program since 1992. To improve the quality of observer data, we confirm what the identification is decided on the basis of ring data, autopsies and photos, and by confirming whether or not the photo data exist. Also, we crosscheck the identification with experts and update the identification to that based on new a classification system. Simultaneously, we update the species identification guide based on the new classification system. Currently, experts finalized the results from 2002 to 2008, and it has been revealed that Japanese identification is rarely mistaken. However, it has also been revealed that it is sometimes impossible to identify the species based on the new identification system using photo. To cover this point, we will start collecting feather samples for DNA analysis. Our final goal is to determine bycatch hotspot in order to determine the effect on the population and to evaluate the effects of mitigation measures after introducing this regulation in the future. It is essential that the quality of observer data in other countries also be improved as is being done in Japan.