Threat Abatement Plan for the Incidental Catch (or by-catch) of Seabirds During Oceanic Longline Fishing Operations

Prepared by
Biodiversity Group Environment Australia in consultation with the Threat Abatement Team
Environment Australia, 1998
ISBN 0 642 21420 4

Contents > Previous > Next

7. Objectives, Criteria and Actions (continued)

Objective 4

Identify the rates of seabird by-catch in demersal longline fisheries operating in the AFZ.

Criteria for Success

By-catch rates have been quantified and described in a manner adequate to allow management actions to be taken where necessary.

Actions

Action 4.1

AFMA will assess the by-catch rate of seabirds on domestic demersal longline vessels using an observer program (described under Objective 8, Action 4).

The costs associated with the assessment of the seabird by-catch rates in demersal longline fisheries are covered as part of the domestic observer program (see Objective 8, Action 4).

Objective 5

Apply appropriate mitigation measures to demersal longline fisheries which are shown to have significant seabird by-catch.

Criteria for Success

Compliance with Commonwealth fisheries law and directions given by AFMA in relation to seabird by-catch mitigation.

Actions

Action 5.1

AFMA will develop and implement necessary mitigation measures to reduce the seabird by-catch in demersal fisheries to below 0.05 birds per 1000 hooks.

Action 5.2

Should demersal longlining activities be considered around Heard, McDonald and Macquarie Islands, suitable mitigation measures will be developed in conjunction with Environment Australia and the Threat Abatement Team before the fishery proceeds.

Action 5.3

Offal Discharge.

AFMA will recommend to the Minister for Resources and Energy that regulations be made to ensure that all demersal longline vessels operating in the Australian Fishing Zone retain all offal during line setting or hauling and discharge it when not line setting or hauling.

No costs to the Commonwealth have been identified against this action. There will be a cost for fishers in fitting their vessels with offal storage and handling equipment.

Contents > Previous > Next