Publications

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

12. Evaluation and Revision of the Plan

As outlined in the actions relating to objective 10, the Plan prescribes the production of an annual report which presents collated data collected through the actions outlined in this Plan. These data should also be published in a peer reviewed scientific journal publication where appropriate.

The progress of the plan will be evaluated each year at a meeting of the Threat Abatement Team. The Team will maintain its current composition but may change members. New members must be nominated by the stakeholder group they are representing.

The Endangered Species Protection Act 1992 provides for review of the TAP at any time at the discretion of the Director of Parks and Wildlife. Environment Australia will advise the Director to request a revision of the Plan if the following conditions occur:

• A new method of longline fishing is developed which requires mitigation prescriptions which are not covered in this Plan, such as the development of a demersal longline fishery at Heard, McDonald and Macquarie Islands.
• A mitigation measure is developed which is completely effective in preventing seabird by-catch thus negating the need for other mitigation prescriptions in this Plan.
• Seabird by-catch increases as a result implementing any of the prescribed actions.

If the adoption rates of mitigation measures are inadequate and if seabird by-catch rates do not decrease throughout the initial five year life of the Plan, other mitigation measures, such as area or seasonal closures, will be investigated during the review.