Alaska Fisheries Science Center Coordinated Seabird Studies Strategic Plan 2022-2026

Citation
Fitzgerald SM, Dolliver JE (2023) Alaska Fisheries Science Center Coordinated Seabird Studies Strategic Plan 2022-2026. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-AFSC-460. https://doi.org/10.25923/WXTZ-Q514
Abstract

Coordinated Seabird Studies (CSS) at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) promotes the collection and use of seabird data in an ecosystem-based fisheries management framework (EBFM). The CSS Strategic Plan outlines recommended research, service, outreach, and publication priorities over the next 5 years 2022-2026 based on advice from 37 colleagues within and outside of NOAA (Appendix 1). Given the cross-division and cross-disciplinary nature of the CSS at AFSC, we organize activities under five broad goals: CSS Goal 1: Monitor, assess, and respond to seabird bycatch trends. CSS Goal 2: Co-create and implement mitigation measures to reduce seabird bycatch. CSS Goal 3: Integrate and synthesize seabird data for ecosystem-based fisheries management efforts. CSS Goal 4: Contribute to, and summarize basin-wide seabird trends in support of EBFM. CSS Goal 5: Represent CSS initiatives and results nationally and internationally.

As the AFSC adapts and updates science objectives based on a changing local-to-global seascape, CSS recognizes similar challenges related to seabirds. The following challenges relate specifically to seabird bycatch and seabird as indicators in fisheries management: CSS Challenge 1: Changes in the timing, distribution, and abundance of seabirds and their prey. CSS Challenge 2: Changes in the timing and distribution of fishing effort. CSS Challenge 3: Changes to fishing gear and/or fishing methods.