A call for collaboration between IAC and IATTC to save Eastern Pacific leatherbacks

Powerpoint presentation.

Urgent conservation action required for EP leatherbacks
The IAC urges the IATTC to join with IAC and other regional partners by taking action immediately to reduce EP leatherback bycatch in the IATTC Convention Area.
The IAC recommends that the Commission take the following actions:
1.Develop conservation measures to reduce bycatch (e.g., circle hooks, fish bait, spatial management) in leatherback high-use areas, as described in the MoU between IAC and IATTC
2.Improve data quality and reporting of bycatch data for EP leatherbacks and all other endangered, threatened, and protected species by
•Increasing observer coverage or electronic monitoring in longline operations from 5% (as required by Resolution C-11-08) to 20%, as recommended by IATTC Scientific staff, especially on vessels operating in leatherback high-use areas with possible fisheries interactions, and
•Ensuring that CPCs comply with data collection and reporting requirements and adopt improved data reporting form sufficient to inform and evaluate conservation (DOCUMENT SAC-10-19 STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT AND DATA COLLECTION, 2019)
3.Verify and document that fishermen or vessel operators in the Convention Area follow sea turtle handling and release guidelines, including that fishermen or vessel operators
•Carry safe-handling tools on-board and using them to ensure the prompt and safe release of incidentally-caught sea turtles, as described in Resolution C-07-03, and,
•Where necessary, receive proper training in best practices for handling and release of sea turtles