Options for Differential Management and Monitoring of Seabird Bycatch

At WCPFC-SC5 it was agreed to undertake further work to validate the spatial risk assessment (ERA) on seabirds to determine initial spatial zones for the differential management and monitoring of seabird bycatch. This paper considers some of the management options available to reduce seabird bycatch, including area or seasonal closures, application of bycatch mitigation measures and monitoring and data collection. Some recommendations are also provided on the type and level of monitoring that may be required to further validate the spatial risk assessment.