Assessing and addressing cetacean bycatch in tuna fisheries – A collaborative project proposed to Common Oceans ABNJ Tuna Phase II

The International Whaling Commission has submitted a proposed project capsule within the framework of the GEF/FAO Common Oceans ABNJ Tuna II project. The objective of the capsule is to improve the understanding of cetacean bycatch in tuna fisheries – and the available solutions for mitigation - in collaboration with RFMOs, national governments, fishing industry and other stakeholders. The proposed project is geographically focused in two regions: the western-central Pacific and the Indian Ocean. A range of activities are proposed to collaboratively identify and fill data and knowledge gaps and build capacity and awareness of both the issue and the solutions for monitoring and mitigation. This paper provides a brief overview of the proposed activities, partners, next steps and opportunities to collaborate. We invite the WCPFC-SC to: • Note the background and main activities of the project proposal; • Provide feedback on this proposal and any relevant opportunities for collaboration to the IWC Bycatch Coordinator ([email protected])