Pursuant to the International Plan of Action for Reducing the Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries adopted by FAO in 1999, Canada presented its own National Plan of Action for Reducing the Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries (NPOA – Seabirds) in 2012. The NPOA – Seabirds was developed jointly between DFO and the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) of Environment Canada, with a focus on techniques and technologies that, once implemented, would work towards mitigating the incidental take of seabirds in longline fisheries. In this document Canada reports on progress made, lessons learned and effective strategies implemented to reduce the incidental catch of seabirds in longline fisheries. As part of the Canada’s fisheries renewal initiative the NPOA – Seabirds aims to achieve sustainable fisheries, economic prosperity and greater stability in fisheries management. Adoption of ecosystem-based and precautionary approaches are key elements to fisheries management. The NPOA – Seabirds approach focuses on the following elements: 1- Reviewing and Enhancing Observer Programs to further improve the monitoring of seabird bycatch and to enhance the accuracy of data collected through existing programs; 2- Promotion of Mitigation Measures to Reduce Seabird Bycatch in Longline Fisheries including establishing area closures, where information has indicated unacceptable levels of seabird bycatch, such as the closure of Lobster Bay in southwest Nova Scotia to groundfish fisheries due to elevated levels of bycatch in gillnet fisheries, or some seasonal closures, such as those affecting rockweed harvesting in the Maritimes Region. Further, Environment Canada is also developing general Avoidance Guidelines for the marine environment in order to inform the fishing industry and other stakeholders on geographic risk zones and time periods in regards to seabirds; 3- Improving Knowledge of Seabird Distributions in Canadian Waters including improved data collection in order to increase knowledge of offshore seabird distributions; 4- Enhancing Outreach and Education Efforts, including marine-scapes with map layers of seasonal distribution of selected vulnerable seabird species that Environment Canada plans to develop. With the map layers being available online, this will provide easy access to information for Canadians who may have interactions with seabirds in those areas. Additionally, Canada will produce laminated seabird identification cards that will focus on species susceptible to bycatch in longline and other fisheries on the Pacific coast; 5- Conducting a Reassessment of Incidental Take at the National Level. Regarding governance, in Canada, the management of migratory birds is the responsibility of Environment Canada through the Canadian Wildlife Service, while the responsibility for fisheries and oceans management rests with Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Additionally, successful implementation of programs to manage bycatch rests with the Canadian fishing industry. In addition, the National Seabird Bycatch Working Group, which was involved first hand in the development and initial assessment of the NPOA – Seabirds, has been reinvigorated. This Working Group provides the necessary forum to coordinate efforts of government agencies and enhance information exchange,and also to engage non-governmental organizations, Aboriginal groups, provincial and territorial governments and industry.
Canadá · 2012-07-01