The updated Multi-year Seabird Strategy of CCSBT provides a comprehensive framework to reduce or eliminate incidental seabird bycatch—particularly of threatened albatrosses and petrels—in Southern Bluefin Tuna fisheries. The strategy sets an overarching objective of preventing significant adverse impacts on seabird populations, supported by five key goals: reducing bycatch impacts; improving the quality and representativeness of mortality data; advancing practical and cost-effective mitigation technologies in collaboration with industry and partners such as ACAP; strengthening compliance; and enhancing education and outreach. It outlines detailed actions, responsibilities, and review timelines, including risk assessments (e.g., SEFRA), identification of high-risk areas, observer and electronic monitoring coverage, harmonised reporting standards, species-level identification tools, research on mitigation and cumulative impacts, and compliance monitoring and response mechanisms. Effectiveness will be reviewed at least every four years, and the strategy will remain in force until its conservation objective is achieved.
2024-10-10