REPORT ON AUSTRALIAN FISHING EFFORT AND SEABIRD BYCATCH IN FISHERIES OUTSIDE THE CONVENTION AREA

This paper provides a summary of longline and trawl fishing effort, seabird bycatch, and seabird bycatch mitigation measures in Australian fisheries outside the Convention Area. Mandatory seabird bycatch mitigation measures are in place in all longline fisheries within Australia's national jurisdiction. Seabird bycatch is generally low and typically below 0.05 birds per 1000 hooks. Seabird bycatch is thought to be low in Australian trawl fisheries but, as yet, there are insufficient observer data to fully assess each trawl fishery. As part of efforts to better assess seabird bycatch in Australian trawl fisheries, a pilot study has commenced to undertake an initial appraisal of seabird bycatch in the largest Australian trawl fishery. Depending on the findings; the need for further assessments and implementation of mitigation measures will be considered.