Pacific Island Formum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Action Plan for Sea Trutle Bycatch Mitigation

Sea turtle populations have been reduced as a result of a range of human-induced activities, with fishing being one of the causes. The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) agreed on Resolution 2005-04 to mitigate the impact of fishing for highly migratory fish species on sea turtles. Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Members are committed to the conservation of sea turtles due to their cultural and social significance and their recognition of sea turtles as a species of high conservation value. FFA Pacific Island Members in the absence of specific research on the use and application of sea turtle mitigation gear, including circle hooks, in waters of their respective Exclusive Economic Zones, have, in WCPFC fora, supported a flexible approach to sea turtle bycatch mitigation. In March 2008, FFA members participated in a workshop which developed an Action Plan for Sea Turtle By-Catch Mitigation.
This paper provides information on the FFA Action Plan for Sea Turtle By-Catch Mitigation including strategies and activities relating to sea turtle by-catch mitigation which FFA Members will be endeavouring to implement during the life of the Action Plan.