Minimum Data Requirements for Monitoring Seabird Bycatch

The purpose of this paper is to assist the WCPFC to identify data fields that are not currently included in its Regional Observer Program Minimum Standard Data Fields and Instructions (ROP). Collection of these further data may assist in the understanding of fishery impacts on seabirds and in assessing the efficacy of the mitigation measures currently being used. The specific data fields that are recommended for inclusion in the ROP are:  Mass of added weight attached to branch-lines;  Distance between weight and hook, in metres;  The fate (dead/alive/injured) and number of birds (for each species) in each of these categories, and whether the bird was released alive, or discarded; The following data would also ideally be recorded (ideally as part of a long-term scientific study):  Regular seabird abundance estimates (presently only the number of animals sighted during an interaction is recorded);  Environmental data such as sea state, wind speed and direction relative to the vessel's course, cloud cover, visibility and moon phase (for night fishing operations). Minimum Data Requirements for Monitoring Seabird Bycatch The implementation of observer programmes that include the collection and management of seabird bycatch and associated data are the most effective means of monitoring fisheries performance with respect to seabird bycatch and use of mitigation measures (FAO 2009). The 'WCPFC Regional Observer Program Minimum Standard Data Fields and Instructions' already identifies most of the data that is considered by ACAP to be a minimum for monitoring seabird bycatch (Annex A), however there are a small number of data fields that have not been identified that are considered by ACAP to be essential for evaluating the effectiveness of mitigation measures being used. The specific data fields that are recommended for further inclusion in the WCPFC ROP are:  Mass of added weight attached to branch-lines. Line weighting is considered a critical mitigation measure for longline fisheries, and it is hoped that most RFMOs will require the mandatory use of line weighting in the near future;  Distance between weight and hook, in metres. This is an important component of the line weighting regime and should be recorded to assist in evaluating the effectiveness of the mitigation measure;  The fate (dead/alive/injured) and number of birds (for each species) in each of these categories should be recorded for all observered seabird interactions. The WCPFC ROP currently only requires this information for individuals that are landed on deck; The following data would also ideally be recorded:  Regular seabird abundance estimates (presently only the number of animals sighted during an interaction is recorded);  Environmental data such as sea state, wind speed and direction relative to the vessel's course, cloud cover, visibility and moon phase (for night fishing operations).