ACAP Review of Mitigation Measures and Best Practice Advice for Reducing the Impact of Pelagic Longline Fisheries on Seabirds

Citation
Jiménez S, Barrington JHS (2023) ACAP Review of Mitigation Measures and Best Practice Advice for Reducing the Impact of Pelagic Longline Fisheries on Seabirds. In: ACAP - 11th Meeting of the Seabird Bycatch Working Group. SBWG11 Doc 07, Edinburgh, UK
Abstract

SBWG8 agreed to routinely keep the review of bycatch mitigation measures and best practice advice documents up-to-date during intersessional periods. This work would be led by champions for each fishing method and any changes, other than minor updates, would be presented as Working Papers to the next SBWG meeting.

This document provides an amended version, in tracked changes, of the advice for mitigating seabird bycatch in pelagic longline fisheries last updated at AC12. It aims to improve clarity of the advice and consistency with advice documents for other fishing methods. The changes clarify why branch line weighting should be used in combination with bird scaring lines and night setting. The update also clarifies minimum standards around night setting.

RECOMMENDATIONS That the Seabird Bycatch Working Group:

1. Review the suggested changes.

2. Identify any further recommendations or updates.

3. Provide an updated advice document to the Advisory Committee for endorsement.