Summary of incidental mortality associated with fishing activities collected in scientific observer and vessel data during the 2019 season

This paper summarises data collected by Scheme of International Scientific Observation observers and vessels, of incidental interactions between fishing vessels, seabirds and marine mammals during fishing activities undertaken during the 2019 season. A short report is also detailed on a large seal morality event which occurred at the end of the 2018 season. Incidental mortality numbers for longline fisheries in which seabird mortalities have been reported are presented with the data from observers and vessel supplied data. Based on data received up to 8 October 2019, the extrapolated total number of birds killed is 103.