· Web viewthe principles of ecologically sustainable development as defined under the Environment and Biosecurity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC …

Draft National Plan of Action for Minimising the Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Australian Capture Fisheries


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AcknowledgementsPLACE HOLDER

Department of Agriculture and Water Resources

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ContentsGlossary.............................................................................................................................................................. v

Introduction...................................................................................................................................................... 1

Scope................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Rationale............................................................................................................................................................ 4

Seabirds at risk of incidental catch.....................................................................................................................4

Australia’s capture fisheries..................................................................................................................................4

Objectives.......................................................................................................................................................... 7

Framework for achieving objectives of NPOA–Seabirds...................................................................8

Objective 1 Understand the extent of incidental catch of seabirds......................................................8

Objective 2 Have best practice seabird bycatch mitigation in capture fisheries............................9

Objective 3 Promote development of innovative mitigation procedures and technologies that are feasible, effective and efficient...................................................................................................................11

Objective 4 Increase awareness and understanding of the incidental catch of seabirds and best practice mitigation..................................................................................................................................................12

Objective 5 Promote adoption of effective mitigation measures in regional fisheries and conservation bodies......................................................................................................................................................... 12

Implementation............................................................................................................................................ 14

Government subcommittee.................................................................................................................................14

Roles and responsibilities....................................................................................................................................14

Resourcing.................................................................................................................................................................. 15

Evaluation and review................................................................................................................................ 16

Appendix A: Data categories for best practice risk assessments.................................................17

Appendix B: Minimum standards for collecting seabird interaction data................................18

Appendix C: Principles for recreational fishing codes of practice...............................................24

Principle 1 Reduce seabird attraction to fishing activity.......................................................................24

Principle 2 Use responsible fishing practices..............................................................................................24

Principle 3 Promote best practice hook removal.......................................................................................24

Principle 4 Promote best practice seabird handling................................................................................24

Appendix D: Summary of best practice approaches for longline, trawl, set net and recreational fisheries.................................................................................................................................. 25

Appendix E: Implementation action tables.........................................................................................29

Objective 1...................................................................................................................................................................29

Objective 2...................................................................................................................................................................30

Objective 3...................................................................................................................................................................30


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Objective 4...................................................................................................................................................................31

Objective 5...................................................................................................................................................................31

References...................................................................................................................................................... 32


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GlossaryTerm Definition

ACAP Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels

AFMA Australian Fisheries Management Authority

bycatch Species that physically interact with fishing vessels and/or fishing gear which are not usually retained by commercial fishers and do not make a contribution to the economic value of the fishery.

capture fishery refers to all kinds of harvesting of naturally occurring living fish resources, including industrial, small-scale and recreational.

Ecologically Sustainable Development

the principles of ecologically sustainable development as defined under the Environment and Biosecurity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and include:(a) decision-making processes should effectively integrate both long-term and short-term economic, environmental, social and equitable considerations; (b) if there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation; (c) the principle of inter-generational equity—that the present generation should ensure that the health, diversity and productivity of the environment is maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future generations; (d) the conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity should be a fundamental consideration in decision-making; and (e) improved valuation, pricing and incentive mechanisms should be promoted.

incidental catch See ‘bycatch’

interaction Any physical contact between a person and a protected species. This includes all catching (hooked, netted, entangled) and collisions with individuals of these species

IPOA–Seabirds International Plan of Action for reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries

NPOA–Seabirds National Plan of Action for minimising the incidental catch of seabirds in Australian capture fisheries

offal (marine) discarded waste from processing fish (including, among other things, discarded fish and other organisms and unused baits) discarded food and food scraps


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Term Definition

Seabird A species of the class Aves that frequents coastal waters and the open ocean: gulls; pelicans; gannets; cormorants; albatrosses; petrels; shearwaters; etc.

TAP–Seabirds Threat Abatement Plan for the Incidental Catch (or Bycatch) of Seabirds During Oceanic Longline Fishing Operations


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IntroductionFishing can represent a substantial threat to some seabird populations. Most seabirds are primarily surface feeders, taking their prey from the top few metres of the water column (Harper, Croxall & Cooper 1985). Many species are at-sea scavengers, preying on dead fish, squid and other marine life found floating on the surface. Scavenging seabirds supplement their diet by feeding on discards from vessels and baited hooks, and from fisheries catch as it is being hauled (Baker et al. 2002).

The negative effects of fisheries practices occur most often when fishing and seabird foraging behaviour overlap (Alexander, Robertson & Gales 1997; Baker, Gales & Hamilton 2002; Birdlife International 1995; Croxall 1998; Croxall et al. 2012; Gales 1998). The incidental catch of seabirds in capture fisheries has been an issue of international concern since the 1980s (Brothers 1991; Gales 1998). Examples of the many studies highlighting the number of seabirds killed annually by fishing operations include Anderson et al. 2011; Brothers 1991; Brothers, Gales & Reid 1998; Gales 1998; Zydelis, Small & French 2013.

In 1999 the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) adopted the International Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries (IPOA–Seabirds). IPOA–Seabirds is a voluntary instrument within the framework of the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries that sets out principles and international standards of behaviour for responsible fishing practices. To support implementation of IPOA–Seabirds, in 2009 the FAO developed best practice guidelines to reduce incidental catch of seabirds in capture fisheries (Box 1). These covered interactions between seabirds and all types of fishing gear used by industrial, artisanal and traditional fisheries. The guidelines recognised that seabird mortalities resulting from trawl and gillnet fisheries were less documented but were becoming a global problem.

Australia undertakes activities to manage incidental catch of seabirds. Following release of IPOA–Seabirds in 1999, Australia prepared an assessment report about reducing incidental catch of seabirds in longline fisheries (Commonwealth of Australia 2003). The report provided an updated assessment on the extent and nature of incidental catch of seabirds in Australian longline fisheries. It concluded that the Threat Abatement Plan for the Incidental Catch (or bycatch) of Seabirds During Oceanic Longline Fishing Operations (TAP–Seabirds) was largely fulfilling the role of a national plan but only for longline fisheries. National assessments of seabird bycatch in Australian fisheries undertaken in 2003 and 2008 (Baker & Finley 2010; Commonwealth of Australia 2003) recommended that reporting be improved to better understand seabird interactions across all capture fisheries. They also recommended the development of a National Plan of Action for Minimising the Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Australian Capture Fisheries (NPOA–Seabirds) that would promote national coordination and action to better understand and mitigate impacts of fishing activities on seabirds.

Since the release of the IPOA-Seabirds, Australia has updated its TAP–Seabirds (twice, in 2006 and 2014) and become a signatory to the international Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) in 2001, which coordinates international activity to mitigate known threats to these bird populations. ACAP was developed under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. The latest version of TAP–Seabirds


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https://acap.aq/

https://acap.aq/

http://www.fao.org/fishery/code/en

http://www.fao.org/docrep/006/X3170E/x3170e02.htm


incorporates ACAP mitigation methods, including line weighting strategies, use of bird-scaring lines, retention of offal during line setting and night setting (in certain instances).

Over the decade to 2017, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) has worked with industry to mitigate impacts of fishing activity on seabirds including:

fishers in the Great Australian Bight Trawl and Commonwealth Trawl sectors of the Southern and Eastern Shark and Scalefish Fishery are to follow

seabird management plans introduced in 2011 and tailored to individual fishing boats mitigation measures that the concession holder has agreed to implement to reduce the

risk of seabird interactions

demersal longline fishers

must not discharge fish offal while setting and bringing in lines must use a tori line device when setting gear

fishers must use measures such as brickle curtains to scare seabirds away when bringing lines in and use weights to make sure baited hooks sink quickly to a depth that birds are unable to dive to

trawl fishers must use warp deflectors (pinkie buoys) that sit alongside the trawl gear as a visual deterrent and a physical barrier between birds and fishing gear; recent research shows that pinkies reduce seabird interactions with warp wires by 75 per cent.

Industry is trialling other innovative ways to reduce seabird interactions, including water sprayers and bafflers.

Box 1 FAO Best practices to reduce incidental catch of seabirds in capture fisheries

1) Address incidental catch of seabirds in all capture fisheries (BPTG1)2) Advocate seabird bycatch mitigation in regional fisheries and conservation bodies

(BPTG2)3) Identify extent of seabird bycatch in capture fisheries (BPTG3)4) Implement mitigation measures (BPTG4)5) Conduct mitigation research and development(BPTG5)6) Provide education, training and outreach (BPTG6)7) Conduct independent monitoring (BPTG7)8) Establish objectives to avoid and minimise incidental catch of seabirds (BPTG8)9) Implement monitoring and reporting arrangements (BPTG9)BPTG Best practices to reduce incidental catch of seabirds in capture fisheries.Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations


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ScopeNPOA–Seabirds is seeks to contribute towards achieving and maintaining a favourable conservation status of seabirds (Box 2) by providing a comprehensive and consistent approach to reducing the impact of fishing on seabirds. The scope of this plan includes:

all species of birds (Aves) that occur naturally in Australian marine areas, including migratory and threatened seabird species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)

all commercial, recreational and other relevant capture fisheries

all waters under the jurisdiction of Commonwealth, state and Northern Territory fisheries

all fishing undertaken by Australian-flagged fishing vessels on the high seas, including areas governed by regional fisheries and conservation bodies.

NPOA–Seabirds does not include actions to achieve and maintain a favourable conservation status of seabirds by reducing threats at their breeding sites or by addressing any other relevant threats. These issues are more appropriately dealt with through complementary measures such as TAP–Seabirds and the National Recovery Plan for Threatened Albatrosses and Giant Petrels.

Box 2 Favourable conservation status

Conservation status means the sum of the influences acting on seabird species that may affect their long-term distribution and abundance. Conservation status is considered favourable when these conditions are met: population dynamics data indicate that the species is maintaining itself on a long-

term basis the range of the species is neither currently being reduced nor likely to be reduced

on a long-term basis sufficient habit exists, and will continue to exist in the foreseeable future, to

maintain the population of the species on a long-term basis the distribution and abundance of the species approach historic coverage and

levels to the extent that potentially suitable ecosystems exist and are consistent with wise wildlife management.

Conservation status is considered unfavourable when any of these conditions are not met.


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RationaleNPOA–Seabirds outlines actions to avoid or minimise the death or injury of seabirds across all capture fisheries in Australia. It provides directions for collecting information about seabird interactions. Commonwealth fisheries generally operate beyond three nautical miles of coastal baselines to the 200 nautical mile limit of the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone. State and Northern Territory-managed fisheries generally operate within three nautical miles of the coastal baselines. Under offshore constitutional settlement arrangements, as appropriate, jurisdiction for specific fisheries may be vested in the Commonwealth, the state or Northern Territory, or the fishery may be managed jointly. Australian capture fisheries use methods that have the potential to interact with seabirds—longline, trawl, gillnet, purse-seine, dropline, and pot, set net and trap.

Seabirds at risk of incidental catchThis plan aims to include all seabird species in Australia. The conservation status of seabird species varies considerably. However all seabirds are covered, including threatened albatrosses and petrels, which are among the most critically endangered bird species in the world (IUCN 2016). Seabird species differ in their susceptibility to fishing gear or practices and the risks of incidental catch differ depending on the foraging behaviour of each species. For example, some seabird species are responsible for primary foraging attacks during fishing operations but others are responsible for secondary attacks. NPOA–Seabirds considers the conservation status of a species, its susceptibility to fishing and the spatial and temporal overlap of the population with fisheries.

Australia’s capture fisheriesAll capture fisheries that are likely to have incidental capture of seabirds should be considered when implementing NPOA–Seabirds. Also relevant to all capture fisheries is the injury or death of seabirds due to lost, discarded or abandoned fishing gear.

Commercial fisheries use various fishing methods, such as longlines, gillnets and trawls (Bull 2007; Løkkeborg 2011). Seabirds get entangled or hooked in fishing gear, resulting in injury and death. Seabirds are attracted to fish scraps and unused baits (offal) when these are discarded by fishing vessels or accessible during setting and hauling of fishing gear or when the gear is in the water. The incidental catch of seabirds generally occurs during setting and hauling, when baits or nets are close to the surface.

Recreational fishers also capture seabirds incidentally (Campbell 2013; McPhee et al. 2002). Recreational fishing activities are widespread—in estuaries, along coastlines and in coastal and offshore waters—increasing the likelihood of seabird interactions. These activities are especially widespread along Australia’s east coast, and are expected to increase as coastal communities continue to expand and develop.

Based on the value of exports, Australia’s strengths in food production are in raw and moderately processed products. Australia is also particularly successful at producing the key growth commodities of the Asian Century such as beef, grains and dairy products (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2015). These strengths in production build on Australia’s advantages,


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including land availability, a stable business environment and a highly educated workforce. Our geographic location makes it easier for our businesses to work with Asian nations by, for example, reducing transport costs.

Commercial longline fisheriesThe TAP–Seabird has successfully reduced the impact of longline fishing on seabird species. Several Commonwealth fisheries have reduced incidental seabird bycatch rates to below the maximum permissible level set by the TAP–Seabirds (either 0.01 or 0.05 birds per 1,000 hooks depending on the fishery) (Department of the Environment 2014).

However, the 2008 national assessment of the extent of seabird bycatch in longline fisheries highlighted a lack of reliable data on seabird interactions with fishers outside the Commonwealth jurisdiction (Baker & Finley 2010). NPOA–Seabirds outlines actions—such as improved data collection—to enable fisheries managers to record any seabird interaction. Improved data collection will provide a better understanding of the impacts of fishing on seabirds and help ensure consistency in management approaches and reporting by jurisdictions.

Commercial trawl fisheriesEarly reports of seabird mortalities in trawl fisheries emerged from New Zealand in the 1990s (Bartle 1991). From 2000 onwards, increased reporting from trawl and other fisheries indicated that such mortalities were more widespread, extending as far as the Falkland and Kerguelen islands and the coast of Argentina (González-Zevallos & Yorio 2006; Sullivan 2006, Reid & Bugoni 2006; Weimerskirch, Capdeville & Duhamel 2000).

Until recently, the impact of trawl fisheries in Australia has not been a focus of research and mitigation. This is due to the difficulty of observing interactions and subsequent mortalities. Seabird mortalities were first reported in Australian trawl fisheries around Heard and McDonald islands, where factory trawlers were targeting Patagonian toothfish. AFMA became aware of interactions between seabirds and fishing gear on inshore wet-boat trawlers in the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery in late 2009. Seabirds are now recognised as a priority for the management of bycatch in Commonwealth trawl fisheries.

Commercial gillnet and entanglement net fisheriesInternational evidence suggests gillnet fisheries contribute to high levels of seabird incidental mortality. A global review of seabird bycatch in gillnet fisheries estimated that 400,000 birds were killed every year (Zydelis, Small & French 2013). In 2012 the figure exceeded estimates for longline and trawl fisheries combined (300,000 birds a year) (Anderson et al. 2011). Diving seabird species such as penguins, sea ducks, shearwaters, cormorants and gannets are particularly susceptible to entanglement in net fisheries.

Australia has limited information on seabird bycatch levels in set-net fisheries. Some fisheries managers and industry have taken steps to develop best practice measures. However, without data on specific fisheries, it is difficult to determine the level of interaction or the impact gillnet fisheries may have on seabirds. This lack of data has also affected the level of research applied to developing best practice seabird mitigation measures for gillnet fisheries.

Recreational fisheriesRecreational fisheries includes commercial game and charter operators. Interactions with recreational fishing gear can result in injury and death for seabirds through ingestion of baited


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hooks and fishing line and entanglement in crab pots, discarded fishing line and gillnets (McPhee, Leadbitter & Skilleter 2002). Inappropriate fishing practices directly affect birdlife and are a major factor in incidences of entanglement and hooking of estuarine seabirds by fishers (Ferris & Ferris 2004). Fishing gear and marine debris can also lead to injury and or death of seabirds. Seabird interactions with recreational fishers are largely unrecorded because fishers are not required to formally report incidents in coastal waters, where most recreational fishing occurs. Estimates of interactions are based on data collected from seabird rescue groups.

The Australian Government has funded the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation to review and revise a national code of practice for recreational fishing to promote best practice principles for all forms of recreational fishing. The code of practice sets standards and seeks to improve the knowledge, behaviour and reputation of recreational fishers and ensure sustainable fishing and aquatic resources.

Case study 1 Understanding the impact of recreational fishing on seabirds

According to a southern Queensland rescue group, over 1,000 birds were rescued from the area between the Sunshine Coast and the Redcliffe Peninsula in 2012 (Campbell 2013).The majority of birds rescued after interactions with discarded fishing tackle were the Australian pelican and the white ibis. However, significant numbers of white-faced herons, pied cormorants, wood ducks and silver gulls were also rescued. About 60 per cent of birds rescued presented with wing or feet injuries and most were released after less than two weeks. However, the remaining 30 per cent suffered beak or internal injuries and required longer-term rehabilitation. Some 6 per cent died or were euthanased as a result of their injuries.


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ObjectivesStakeholders would commit to implementing NPOA–Seabirds voluntarily. The plan aims to establish a nationally coordinated approach to avoid or minimise seabird deaths or injuries resulting from capture fishing activities. Given data limitations, Australia has not done a comprehensive assessment across all its capture fisheries. Implementation of the plan would ensure we obtain the necessary information to complete a national assessment.

The goal of Australia’s NPOA–Seabirds is to minimise and, where practicable, eliminate the incidental catch of seabirds in capture fisheries.

To achieve this goal, the plan has the following objectives:

Objective 1 Understand the extent of incidental catch of seabirds.

Objective 2 Have best practice seabird bycatch mitigation in capture fisheries to

minimise or, where practicable, eliminate incidental catch of seabirds contribute towards achieving and maintaining a favourable conservation status for

seabirds.

Objective 3 Promote development of innovative mitigation procedures and technologies that are feasible, effective and efficient.

Objective 4 Increase awareness and understanding of the incidental catch of seabirds and best practice mitigation.

Objective 5 Promote adoption of effective mitigation measures in regional fisheries and conservation bodies.

See Appendix E to learn how the objectives will be implemented.


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Framework for achieving objectives of NPOA–Seabirds

Objective 1 Understand the extent of incidental catch of seabirdsA focus of IPOA–Seabirds is for jurisdictions to identify the capture fisheries where incidental catch of seabirds is occurring. Australia has a well-developed understanding of the extent of incidental catch of seabirds in longline fisheries; assessments of the incidental catch of seabirds in Australian longline fisheries were undertaken in 2003 and 2009 (Baker & Finley 2010; Commonwealth of Australia 2003).

Evidence suggests action is needed to understand the effects of other fishing gear types on seabirds in Australian fisheries. Implementation of NPOA–Seabirds provides a framework for a comprehensive national assessment of the incidental catch of seabirds in Australian capture fisheries.

Principles for understanding and managing the incidental catch of seabirds in capture fisheries across jurisdictions include:

determining whether a problem exists based on

magnitude of seabird bycatch (rate or number) species that are incidentally caught and their conservation status spatial and temporal overlap of fishing effort with seabirds existing mitigation measures and their effectiveness existing seabird monitoring programmes and their effectiveness

reviewing available data about the incidental catch of seabirds

validating data sources and, where appropriate, conducting more detailed investigations

adopting a precautionary approach where information is lacking or uncertain.

Fisheries managers should undertake risk assessments to determine the risk to seabirds from fishing operations and the appropriate management measures to take. Jurisdictions should ensure logbook programmes in fisheries require collection of data on interactions with seabirds that support risk assessments.

In developing NPOA–Seabirds, the department commissioned the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) to undertake a scientific review of seabird–fishery interactions. The review identified the priority data categories considered necessary for best practice (Appendix A ). Data fields should be consistent across jurisdictions and across time.

Data collection and reporting programmes, such as logbook reporting and observer programmes, should be designed to provide representative data on the incidental catch of seabirds and be regularly reviewed or analysed to improve performance. Day-to-day monitoring will not always capture the information required to understand the extent of seabird incidental


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catch in a fishery. It may be necessary for jurisdictions to initiate targeted research or monitoring programmes that provide transparent and statistically robust estimates of seabird injury and mortality. The ABARES review recommended that managers implement minimum data standards for recording interactions in fisheries logbooks and during observer programmes (Appendix B ).

Many fisheries in Australia are small-scale, low-value enterprises that cannot support expensive monitoring programmes. As a result, data on seabird interaction is limited. However, if evidence indicates an incidental seabird catch problem, these fisheries should develop and implement targeted programmes to better understand or mitigate the impact of their activities on seabirds. Some government environmental agencies obtain data on seabird mortalities in coastal waters from seabird rescue groups.

Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), it is an offence to kill, take, trade, keep or move a listed species in a Commonwealth area without a permit. Sometimes interactions with protected species occur as a result of unavoidable accidents or incidents. Under the EPBC Act, fishers must report such interactions to the Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy within seven days of the incident occurring, or face a fine. Fishers who promptly report interactions are meeting their legal obligations and will help the Australian Government protect marine species. Fishers can report interactions to the Hotline 1800 803 772 or via email at [email protected].

Objective 2 Have best practice seabird bycatch mitigation in capture fisheriesSeabird bycatch mitigation measures are ‘a modification to fishing practices and/or equipment that reduces the likelihood of seabird incidental catch’ (Brothers, Cooper & Løkkeborg 1999). They can take many forms, including the use of bird-scaring devices, fishing gear modifications (for example, line weighting), temporal and seasonal restrictions and general fishing practice (such as cleaning of nets or offal management). Information is available on mitigation technologies and measures for minimising seabird bycatch across a range of fishing gears. ACAP continues to develop best practice advice across the full range of fishing gears, and in artisanal and other non-commercial fishing sectors.

NPOA–Seabirds seeks to promote best practices for avoiding and minimising the incidental catch of seabirds in capture fisheries. NPOA–Seabirds uses the best practice criteria defined by the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP). These criteria are outlined in Box 3.

Feasible, effective and efficient seabird bycatch mitigation measures should be implemented in all capture fisheries where there is a risk of incidental catch of seabirds.

This plan seeks to ensure that affected capture fisheries employ proven technical and operational seabird mitigation measures. Each fishery should use a mix of mandatory and voluntary measures appropriate for the type of the fishery and individual fishing operations. Offal management is an important component of commercial and recreational seabird bycatch mitigation. Commercial operators who effectively manage their use of offal will reduce the numbers of seabirds attracted to their gear and consequently the likelihood of killing or injuring seabirds.


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Recreational and small-scale fisheries should consider lower-cost management measures. These could include education and extension programmes such as implementing a code of practice. Appendix C lists principles for developing recreational fishing codes of practice. To ensure the application of best practice in seabird bycatch mitigation, affected jurisdictions should maintain a focus on strong stakeholder engagement throughout implementation. Jurisdictions should share information and provide opportunities for support and technical assistance, particularly to fishers at a regional level.

ACAP is a leading source of advice on best practice seabird bycatch mitigation—its advice is incorporated in TAP–Seabirds. ACAP’s working groups research emerging mitigation measures and refine best practice suites of mitigation measures, including fishery-specific recommendations. Appendix D summarises ACAP’s current advice.

Case study 2 Lumo Lead—a new seabird bycatch mitigation device for longline fisheries

The correct use of line weighting in longline fisheries is an effective method of minimising seabird bycatch because it sinks fishing gear rapidly. However, many fishers are reluctant to adopt a line-weighting regime partly because of safety concerns. If a line breaks during hauling, traditional leaded swivels can cause serious injury or fatality when they fly back at the crew.Fishtek Marine’s Lumo Lead may be a solution to this problem. The company developed the device with AFMA, the Australian Antarctic Division and the East Coast Tuna Fishery. The device places a sliding lead at or near the hook and the lead then slides down the line during a bite-off event. When a hook is pulled from the fish’s mouth, on or near the surface, the lead slides down the line and dampens the energy of the recoiling line and hook, reducing the likelihood of fly-back.Findings indicate that branch line weighting configurations where the Lumo Lead is positioned closer to the hook increases the hook sink rates, when compared with traditional line weighting configurations, and resulted in reduction in seabird mortalities without reducing the target catch.Members of the Queensland tuna industry have voluntarily adopted Lumo Lead weights.

Box 3 ACAP Best practice seabird bycatch mitigation criteria

1) Individual fishing technologies and techniques should be selected from those shown by experimental research to significantly reduce the rate of seabird incidental mortality to the lowest achievable levels.

2) Fishing technologies and techniques, or a combination thereof, should have clear and proven specifications and minimum performance standards for their deployment and use.

3) Fishing technologies and techniques should be demonstrated to be practical, cost-effective and widely available.

4) Fishing technologies and techniques should, to the extent practicable, maintain catch rates of target species.

5) Fishing technologies and techniques should, to the extent practicable, not increase the bycatch of other taxa.


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6) Minimum performance standards and methods of ensuring compliance should be provided for fisheries technologies and techniques, and should be clearly specified in fishery regulations.

ACAP Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels.

Note: Any use of the word ‘significant’ is meant in the statistical context. Reduction in incidental seabird mortality may be determined by either a direct reduction or by reduction in seabird attack rates, as a proxy.

Objective 3 Promote development of innovative mitigation procedures and technologies that are feasible, effective and efficientNew or improved technical measures for seabird mitigation can significantly reduce seabird bycatch. Incentives for effective collaboration between stakeholders, and leadership from industry, government, scientists and non-government environmental organisations help drive the development of innovative technical measures. However, developers of new mitigation procedures and technologies should consider the safety of fishers at sea and the feasible application of their innovations across fleets.

Trialling of technical measures helps ensure that new procedures or technologies are feasible, effective and efficient. However, controlled on-water testing of new fishing gear may result in the death of seabirds or other marine species. Accordingly, ACAP’s best practice seabird bycatch mitigation criteria allow for reductions in seabird attack rates to be used as a proxy for direct reductions in seabird mortality.

Jurisdictions have a role in supporting and encouraging stakeholder and industry-led research into new mitigation measures. This includes working with stakeholders to mitigate risks and providing advice on experimental design. The development of national guidelines that help direct the design of research projects would be a positive step. Jurisdictions also have a role in effectively converting the results of studies into fleet-based uptake of measures.

Case study 3 Collaborative industry–science project reduces seabird interactions with trawl fisheries

Seabirds are attracted to fishing vessels by the sight and smell of fish and fish offal. At times seabirds have no interest in fishing vessels but at other times their behaviour becomes frenzied. During these periods they can be injured or killed when they strike the steel cables (warps) used to tow trawl nets.As a condition on their fishing permit all trawlers in the South East Trawl Fishery must follow the directions of an approved Seabird Management Plan at all times. This plan directs each vessel to manage offal in a particular way and deploy an approved physical mitigation device when fishing in daylight hours.With Australian Government support the South East Trawl Fishing Industry Association and the Great Australian Bight Fishing Industry Association have developed and trialled two effective seabird bycatch mitigation devices for trawl fisheries: the sprayer and the bird baffler.The sprayer device sprays seawater at high pressure over the area where the warp enters the water, deterring seabirds from the area. Trials recorded a 92 per cent


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reduction in warp–seabird interactions.Seabird interactions most commonly occur at the front and sides of the warp wire during the towing of trawl gear. The bird baffler device prevents birds from accessing these parts of the vessel. It comprises two booms that extend perpendicular to the side of the vessel. The booms have droppers that hang down to the water line and act as a curtain. Tori lines extend from the booms. Trials indicate that bird bafflers reduce bird-warp interactions by 96 per cent.Commonwealth trawl vessels in south-eastern Australia are likely to be fitted with one of three devices (bafflers, or sprayers or current measures plus no offal discharge) before the start of the 2017 fishing season.

Objective 4 Increase awareness and understanding of the incidental catch of seabirds and best practice mitigationEducation, training, incentives and outreach programmes can reduce seabird bycatch by driving changes in behaviour and practices. NPOA–Seabirds will encourage the commercial fishing industry and recreational fishing sector fishers to share experiences and exchange skills through existing networks and with jurisdictions.

All jurisdictions and fishing sectors should consider the use of training and outreach programmes for fishers, and the production of seabird identification or seabird handling guides that promote best practice. Education and outreach activities are important for recreational fisheries where regulatory oversight of fishing practices is limited. A significant threat to marine life is lost or discarded fishing gear that entangles marine life, including seabirds. Education on responsible fishing practices can help minimise the amount of discarded fishing gear.

Case study 4 Education and outreach programmes to reduce seabird bycatch: OceanWatch TAngler bins

The OceanWatch TAngler bins project encourages recreational fishers to dispose of fishing line and tackle responsibly. Associated education programmes help recreational fishers understand that keeping their fishing spots tidy and free of lost and littered fishing line will help preserve their fishing spots and the wildlife.Over 300 TAngler bins have been installed across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland and over 10 tons of discarded fishing line has been collected.This project is a partnership between OceanWatch, local and state governments, land managers and volunteer groups who join the TAngler Bin Network.

Objective 5 Promote adoption of effective mitigation measures in regional fisheries and conservation bodiesSeabirds cross national boundaries and can spend most of their lives migrating and foraging in waters distant from their breeding grounds. For these reasons mitigating risk to seabird populations requires regional and international cooperation. Regional fisheries management organisations and regional conservation bodies can help ensure the use of complementary and


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http://www.oceanwatch.org.au/community/tangler-bin-faqs/


consistent practices for reducing seabird bycatch and for reducing the impact on populations, particularly seabird species that spend considerable time on the high seas.

Australia is pursuing world’s best practice for seabird bycatch management by engaging in and influencing international conservation initiatives such as ACAP and the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.

NPOA–Seabirds will also apply to fishing undertaken by Australian-flagged fishing vessels operating on the high seas, including the areas of compliance of regional fisheries and conservation bodies.


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https://www.ccamlr.org/en/document/publications/convention-conservation-antarctic-marine-living-resources

https://www.ccamlr.org/en/document/publications/convention-conservation-antarctic-marine-living-resources


ImplementationTo achieve its goal, NPOA–Seabirds aims to coordinate a national approach to addressing the incidental catch of seabirds in all Australian capture fisheries. The actions needed to achieve the objectives of NPOA–Seabirds are detailed in Appendix E. Notes indicate which actions are relevant to particular fishing sectors. Managers who choose not to address a particular action should be able to justify why they do not consider it to be relevant to their sector.

NPOA–Seabirds represents the interests of all stakeholders. Implementation will take four years, from 2017 to 2020. Implementation should recognise existing practices and management arrangements for Australian capture fisheries.

Government subcommitteeImplementation of Australia’s NPOA–Seabirds will be overseen by an existing subcommittee of the Australian Fisheries Management Forum. The committee will review the progress of implementation and consider current and emerging issues concerning the impact of fishing activities on seabirds.

Fisheries management agencies will prepare annual reporting against the implementation actions identified in the plan. Reports considered by the subcommittee will include input from all jurisdictions, the commercial and recreational fishing sectors and environmental non-government organisations. The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources will be responsible for collating annual reporting and making them available on the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources website.

The subcommittee will also consider the benefits of holding a biennial workshop with sectors to help sectors and stakeholders share experiences and exchange skills.

Roles and responsibilitiesAustralian GovernmentThe Australian Government will provide national policy leadership and help implement NPOA–Seabirds by providing impetus for whole-of-government approaches, coordinating the subcommittee, facilitating and encouraging research activities, and overseeing implementation of actions for Australian Government managed fisheries.

The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources will report on behalf of Australia on the progress of the assessment, development and implementation of NPOA–Seabirds as part of biennial reporting to the FAO on the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. The Department of the Environment and Energy will report to ACAP.

State and Northern Territory governmentsState and Northern Territory fisheries and government environment agencies will be responsible for overseeing implementation of actions in capture fisheries under their jurisdiction. Each jurisdiction will be responsible for ensuring consultation is undertaken and adequate resources are available to address actions and that NPOA–Seabirds remains an ongoing priority. Jurisdictions will provide input to the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources for reports to the subcommittee.


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Commercial and recreational fishing sectorsThe commercial fishing and recreational fishing sectors have a significant role to play in achieving the objectives of NPOA–Seabirds and ensuring practices are ecologically sustainable. They develop and trial innovative mitigation measures and drive educational and outreach activities to promote best practice approaches. Ecologically sustainable practices will ensure community support for these sectors continues in the future. These sectors will also be critical to the success of the proposed NPOA–Seabirds biennial workshops.

Non-government rolesConservation groups, researchers, other interested organisations and members of the public can carry out actions that support implementation of NPOA–Seabirds. This includes on-ground activities and engagement with research, education and awareness programmes.

ResourcingImplementation of NPOA–Seabirds will require resourcing from all jurisdictions and fishing sectors, including financial in-kind commitments. Voluntary commitments from relevant stakeholders will help to minimise the incidental catch of seabirds. However, resourcing is the responsibility of anyone accessing or managing community-owned fisheries. Implementation of the plan recognises existing practices and management arrangements in place for Australian capture fisheries. This will help minimise the resourcing pressure on stakeholders to deliver actions under the plan.

Issues and actions outlined in this plan will help responsible groups guide and prioritise their own actions to minimise incidental capture of seabirds in Australian capture fisheries.


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Evaluation and reviewNPOA–Seabirds will be reviewed four years after its release. The review will consider the effectiveness of the action plan and any positive and negative effects of implementation. It will assess the extent to which NPOA–Seabirds objectives have addressed Australia’s commitment to implement IPOA–Seabirds and the associated best practice guidelines. The review may also make recommendations about developing and implementing a revised NPOA–Seabirds.

Ongoing evaluation and the four-year review will provide recommendations for improvements and future work, including changes to arrangements if necessary. Consultation with key stakeholders will be central to the review.


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Appendix A: Data categories for best practice risk assessmentsThe Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences recommended data categories for recording interactions in fisheries logbooks and during observer programmes.

Data category Description Data use

Vessel specification

Minimum data fields should measure: vessel length; vessel type; GRT; fishing master/skipper; number of crew; gear types

Needed as covariates for standardising interaction rates and analyses on the implementation and effectiveness of mitigation measures

Fishing effort Minimum data fields should measure fishing time and spatial location

Needed in analyses to determine frequency of interactions by gear, location and time of day

Mitigation measures

Minimum data fields are mitigation technique, time of deployment, where on vessel deployed, whether the mitigation operated according to specifications or was deployed unsuccessfully (including partially)

Standardised description of which and how mitigation measures were deployed to analyse implementation and effectiveness of mitigation measures

Interaction details

Minimum data fields should include number of interactions, how the bird(s) interact(s) with the gear and which part of the gear/vessel the interaction occurred

Allow analyses of general and specific interactions

Fate details Minimum data fields should measure the condition of the seabird (alive, dead or injured)

Allows partitioning of analyses to estimate mortalities and encounters.

Seabird identification

Minimum data fields should measure species identification or provide evidence for its identification

Allow species-specific analyses

Seabird biologicals

Minimum data fields are seabird size, evidence of maturity, counts, behaviour, tissue samples, handling methods

Allows additional covariate inclusion in analyses (e.g. maturity status or bird density)

Source: Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (forthcoming)


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Appendix B: Minimum standards for collecting seabird interaction dataThe Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences recommended that managers implement minimum data standards for recording interactions in fisheries logbooks and during observer programmes.

Table B1 Minimum observer data standards

Data field and instructions Observations

General (trip) –

Vessel flag –

Vessel name –

Vessel call sign –

Vessel Registration number (flag state or SIOFA)

–

Lloyd’s/IMO number (IMO if allocated) –

Vessel size: gross tonnage (gross register tonnage may be used if GT not available or both)

–

Name of observer –

Name of person filling in the data –

Email address of person responsible for data enquiries

–

Haul information –

Intended target species (FAO code) –

Type of fishing Commercial; Research; Survey data

–

Haul/trawl number –

Gear –

TrawlType – Mesh size (mm) – Trawl technique – Type of trawl: single – double – or triple –

Longline Longline type (Spanish trotline autoline) – Type of line – Type of bait – Hook size (mm) – Hook code or make – Length of line (m) – Number of hooks set – Number hooks per cluster (if trotline) – Length of longline – Number of hooks lost –

Trap/potting Pot type – Number set – Number lost – Type of bait –

Dahn/droplineTotal number of hooks in the set – Number of hooks lost – Type of hooks used – Type of leader used – Type of bait used – Total number of line lifts in the set –

GillnetGillnet type – Mesh size (mm) – Gillnet length (metres – Gillnet depth (number of meshes in a net drop) –

Date (DD/MM/YYYY) and UTC time (hh:mm)

Recorded at start and end of fishing. Longline fishers must also record date and UTC time at start and end of setting

Fishing started – and ended –

Setting started – and ended –

Hauling started –and ended –


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Data field and instructions Observations

and at start and end of haul.

Latitude and longitude Latitude (DD.MM) and longitude (DD.MM)

Use N and S rather than + and –

Use E and W rather than + and –

Recorded at start and end of fishing. Longline fishers must also record these details at start and end of setting.

Trawl fishers should take the readings when the otter board is on the bottom

Bottom depth (m) –

Average and/or actual fishing/gear depth (m)

Start and end of fishing (except for trapping/potting where only needed at start)

Depth at start of fishing – and at end–

Marine seabirds caught Marine seabirds caught –(Yes/No)

For each species:

Species name –

Number alive –

Number dead or injured –

– Indicates field to be completed by observer.Source: Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (forthcoming)

Table B2 Fishing operation data

Data field Observations

Trawl fishing activities Gear details

Net ID – Net type (ISSFCV) – Head rope length (m ) – Ground rope length (m) – Bobbin diameter (cm) – Otter board to wing length (m) – Horizontal opening (m) – Vertical opening (m) –

Codend mesh

Mesh size (cm) – codend circumference (cm) – Orientation – Mesh type (e.g. diamond or square) –

Otter board

Type – weight (kg) –

Net design

Net design description including make model and other features –

Trawl details

Trawl Number – Gear – Trawl type: Research or Commercial (R/C) – Observed (Yes/No) – Target species (FAO species code) – Date started (DD/MM/YYYY) – Date finished (DD/MM/YYYY) – Time net deployed (hh:mm) – Time net retrieved (hh:mm) –

Start and end fishing

Time (hh:mm) – Latitude degrees (DD; N and S for north and South – Latitude minutes (MM) – Longitude degrees (DD; E and W for east and west) – Longitude minutes (MM) – Trawl depth (m) – Bottom depth (m) –

Other

Offal discharged during shooting (Yes/No) – Offal discharged during hauling (Yes/No) –

Trawl speed (knots) – Horizontal opening (m) – Total catch (kg) –

Seabird interactions

FAO species code – Total number of interactions – Number of seabirds dead as consequence of interaction – Number of seabirds injured as consequence of


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interaction –

Bycatch mitigation measures employed:

Were bird-scaring (tori) lines in use? (Yes/No) –

Whether aerial extent of bird scarer lines consistently extended at least 10 m beyond point of entry of warps into the sea?

Were bird bafflers in use? (Yes/No) –

Trawl warp strike (monitored for 15 minutes immediately after the net has been deployed)

Trawl number – Observer name – Start observation time (hh:mm) –

End observation time (hh:mm) –

Number of heavy warp strikes for:

Albatross – Giant petrels – White-chinned petrels – Other petrels –

Air – Water – Sinker –

Seabird abundance observation

Seabirds present in observation area (Yes/No) –

Estimated numbers (by species) –

Longline fishing activities Longline description

Longline type (FFSSCV) – Period when gear was used (DD/MM/YYYY) – Start and end date (DD/MM/YYYY) – Target species (FAO species code) –

Main line –

Material Diameter (mm) Integrated weight (gm) –

Branch lines –

Material – Length (M) – Spacing (m) –

Hooks –

Type – Make – Total length (mm) – Shank (mm) – Gape (mm) – Throat (mm) – Front length (mm) – Usual setting position – Line off bottom (m) –

Hooks off bottom (m) – Method of baiting (manual/automatic) –

Automatic baiting equipment (make and model) –

Hook sinkers

Size (g) – Position from hook (mm) – Offal dumping position (port starboard stern) – Longline setting position (port starboard stern) – Offal dumping during hauling (never occasionally always) – Propeller rotation direction (clockwise/anti-clockwise) – Detail weight and distance between line weights for longline system used – Single (auto) – Line (kg:m) – Double (Spanish) line (kg:m) –

Trotline (vertical droppers/trots attached to a mainline) (kg:m) –

General streamer line description

Vessel equipped with streamer line (Yes/No) – Number of streamer lines regularly set – Streamer line position (port starboard stern) – Streamer line length (m) –

Streamer length min/max (m) – Attached height above water (m) – Distance between streamers (m) – Number of streamers – Streamer design (single or paired) – Aerial extent of line (m) – Method used to assess aerial extent –

Streamer material – Streamer line diameter (mm) – Streamer colours –

Streamer line over bait entry position? (Yes/No) – Distance from stern to bait entry point (m) – Towed object (Yes/No) –

Horizontal distance from bait entry point to streamer line (m) –

Daily setting observations

Set number (as referenced in catch and effort log) – Set type: research or commercial (R/C) – Longline type code (FSSCV) – Trotline cetacean exclusion device used (Yes/No) – Date of observation (DD/MM/YYYY) –

Setting information

Vessel setting speed (knots) – Number sets unobserved since last set –

Start and end setting –. Repeated for hauling

Date (dd/mm/yy) – Time (hh:mm) – Latitude degrees (DD; N and S for north and


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South) – Latitude minutes (MM) – Longitude degrees (DD; E and W for east and west) – Longitude minutes (MM) – Bottom depth (m) – Total length of longline set (km) – Total number of hooks for the set –

Observation number –

Start date (DD/MM/YYYY) – Start time (hh:mm) –

End date (DD/MM/YYYY) – End time (hh:mm) –

Details of longline setting

Main line length (m) – Number of hooks set – Number of baskets/magazines set –

Number of hooks per basket/magazine – Percentage hooks baited –

Distance between branches (m) – Distance of hooks off bottom (m) –

Bait species (FAO species code) – Deck lights during setting (On Off) –

Streamer lines used (Yes/No) – Number of streamer lines used –

Whether aerial extent of bird scarer lines consistently achieved at least 100 m?

Offal dumping during setting (Yes/No) – Bait entry position (port starboard stern) –

Daily hauling observations

Set number – Date of observation (DD/MM/YYYY) –

Hauling Information

Number of hooks observed for seabird and fish bycatch (tally period) –

Offal dumped during hauling (Yes/No) –

Gear lost –

Number of sections lost –

Number of hooks lost that were attached to lost sections of the longline –

Number of other hooks lost (excluding hooks attached to lost sections) –

Observed catch composition

Was haul observed for fish/invertebrate bycatch (Yes/No) –

Estimated percentage of haul observed for bycatch (%)–

Seabird Interactions

FAO species code – Total number of interactions –

Number of seabirds dead as consequence of interaction –

Number of seabirds injured as consequence of interaction –

Seabird abundance observation –


Estimated numbers of abundance (by species) –

Trapping/potting fishing Activities

Gear type

Pot type (with drawing) – Mesh size (mm) –

Funnel position

Orientation – Aperture (cm) – Number of chambers – Escape port present (Yes/No) –

Dimensions (cm) of escape port –

Processing details and conversion factors

Haul number – Observer name – Species code (FAO species code) – Processing code – Length range Min – Max – Number of individuals –

Live weight (kg) – Processed weight (kg) – Grade – Conversion factor –

Set and haul details

Set number – Date of observation (DD/MM/YYYY) – Set type: research or commercial (R/C) – Target species (FAO species code) – Offal dumped during setting (Yes/No) – Offal dumped during hauling (Yes/No) –

Start and end setting. Repeat for hauling

Date (DD/MM/YYYY) – Time (hh:mm) – Latitude (DD; N and S for north and South) Latitude minutes and fraction of minutes (MM.mm) – Longitude (DD; E and W for east and west) – Longitude minutes and fraction of minutes (MM.mm) – bottom depth (m) –


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Gear details

Length of line (m) – Type of line – Pot spacing (m) – Bait type –

Setting : Number of pots set – number of pots observed –

Hauling: Number of pots hauled – number of pots observed –

Observed interactions with birds or marine mammals

FAO species code –

Setting: Abundance (500m radius) – Gear interaction (Yes/No) –

Hauling: Abundance (500m radius) – Gear interaction (Yes/No) –








Dahn/dropline fishing activity

Dahn/dropline description

Line type – Period when gear was used (DD/MM/YYYY) Start date –and end date –

Target species (FAO species code) –

Main line

Material – Diameter (mm) – Integrated Wt (gm) –

Hooks

Type – Make – Total length (mm) – Shank (mm) – Gape (mm) – Throat (mm) –

Front length (mm) – Usual setting position – Line off bottom (m) – Hooks off bottom (m) – Method of baiting (manual/automatic) – Automatic baiting equipment (make and model) –

Offal

Offal dumping position (port starboard stern) – offal dumping during hauling (never occasionally always) – Propeller rotation direction (clockwise/anti-clockwise)

General streamer line description

Vessel equipped with streamer line (Yes/No) – Number of streamer lines regularly set – Streamer line position (port starboard stern) – Streamer line length (m) –

Streamer length min/max (m) – Attached height above water (m) –

Distance between streamers (m) – Number of streamers – Streamer design (single or paired) – Ariel extent of line (m) – Method used to assess aerial extent –

Streamer material – Streamer line diameter (mm) – Streamer colours –

Streamer line over bait entry position (Yes/No) – Distance from stern to bait entry point (m) – Horizontal distance from bait entry point to streamer line (m) –

Details of dahn/dropline setting

Main line length (m) – Number of hooks set – Percentage hooks baited –

Distance between branches/snoods (m) – Distance of hooks off bottom (m) –

Bait species – Bait size – Bait proportion – Deck lights during setting (On Off) –

Streamer lines used (Yes/No) – Number of streamer lines used – Offal dumping during setting (Yes/No) – Daylight period – Moonlight – Bait entry position (port starboard stern) – Vessel setting speed (knots) –

Start and End setting

Date (DD/MM/YYYY) – Time (hh:mm) – Latitude degrees (DD; N and S for north and South) – Latitude minutes (MM.mm) – Longitude degrees (DD; E and W for east and west) – Longitude minutes (MM.mm) – Bottom depth (m) –

Start and End of hauling

Date (DD/MM/YYYY) – Time (hh:mm) – Latitude degrees (DD; N and S for north and South) – Latitude minutes (MM.mm) – Longitude degrees (DD; E and W for east and west) – Longitude minutes (MM.mm) – Bottom depth (m) –


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Gear lost

Number of sections lost –

Number of hooks lost that were attached to lost sections of the dahn/dropline –

Number of other hooks lost (excluding hooks attached to lost sections) –








Additional information Species (identified taxonomically or accompanied by photographs if identification is difficult) – and size –

If released, report life status (vigorous, alive, lethargic, injured, dead) on release –

If injured, what was the cause of injury? –

If dead, collect information or samples for onshore identification in accordance with pre-determined sampling protocols. Where this is not possible, observers may be required to collect sub-samples of identifying parts, as specified in biological sampling protocols.

Record the type of interaction (hook/line entanglement/warp strike/net capture/other). If other, describe.

Sex of each individual for taxa where this is feasible from external observation.

– Indicates field to be completed by observer.Source: Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (forthcoming)


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Appendix C: Principles for recreational fishing codes of practicePrinciple 1 Reduce seabird attraction to fishing activity Avoid bird feeding and nesting areas.

Look out for diving birds, which may take bait when lines are cast.

Avoid discarding fish waste in areas where you are actively fishing.

Avoid fishing near fish-cleaning tables because seabirds are attracted to these areas.

Principle 2 Use responsible fishing practices Do not leave your fishing equipment unattended at any time.

Avoid using alloy or stainless steel hooks; these remain intact indefinitely and can cause serious or fatal infections in seabirds.

Use single hooks, barbless hooks and circle hooks to minimise harm.

Don’t leave anything behind—take all your tackle home and dispose of discarded fishing line, other gear or rubbish responsibly.

Principle 3 Promote best practice hook removal If you accidently hook a bird, carefully pull the bird in and if possible carefully de-hook it.

If the hook is too deep to remove, contain the bird and call for help, or take it to the nearest vet so the hook can be surgically removed. Most vets will treat native wildlife for free.

If the bird breaks free of the line call for help immediately and keep the creature in sight so that a rescuer can find it.

Principle 4 Promote best practice seabird handling Keep handling to a minimum to avoid causing stress to an injured seabird. Do not attempt to

comfort the bird by cooing or stroking or petting it. Remain calm, speak quietly and refrain from sudden movements.

Immobilise the beak and feet with a firm hold and gentry restrain the rest of the bird.

Do not hold birds around the neck. This restricts breathing and can cause muscle damage.

When handling birds with long legs, hold the legs of the bird at the top of the femur where the legs and body meet. Hold the bird at waist height, away from your face.

Protect your eyes and other body parts from birds with sharp beaks and claws.


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Appendix D: Summary of best practice approaches for longline, trawl, set net and recreational fisheriesTable D1 Trawl fisheries

Mitigation Description Objective of mitigation action Recommendation

Nets

Net binding Net binding is when 3–ply sisal string is applied to the net on the deck, at intervals of approximately 5m.

Reduce seabird entanglements by preventing the net from lofting and mesh from opening

Recommended

Net weights Adding weight on or near the cod end to increase the angle of ascent of the net during hauling operations.

Reduce the time the net is on the water’s surface, reducing seabird entanglements

Recommended

Net cleaning Net cleaning involves removing all fish stickers and other material from nets.

Reduce net entanglement during shooting Recommended

Cables

Bird-scaring lines for warp cables

Attachment of a bird-scaring line to both the port and starboard sides of a vessel, above and outside of the warp blocks.

Reduce seabird access to the danger zone, where warps enter the water

Recommended

Avoid use of net monitoring cables, else employ bird scaring lines

Net monitoring cables should not be used. Where this is impracticable:1. Deploy bird scaring lines specifically positioned to deter birds away from net monitoring cables while fishing; and2. Install a snatch block at the stern of a vessel to draw the net monitoring cable close to the water to reduce its aerial extent.

Avoid or minimise risk of bird strikes. Recommended

Offal

Offal discharge and fish discard management – mealing

Mealing converts fish waste into fish meal, reducing the quantity of fish waste discharge.

Reduce the number of seabirds attracted to vessels Recommended

Offal discharge and fish discard management – batching

Batching is the storage or controlled release of discards/discharge.

Reduce the number of seabirds attached to vessels Recommended (when full retention or mealing not possible)

Offal discharge and fish All waste material is fully retained. Reduce the number of seabirds attracted to vessels Recommended


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Mitigation Description Objective of mitigation action Recommendation

discard management – full retention

General measures

Area closures Avoiding fishing at during periods of intense bird foraging activity.

Reduce seabird bycatch Recommended

Table D2 Pelagic longline fisheries

Mitigation Description Objective Recommendation

Branch-line weighting Branch lines should be weighted to sink the baited hooks rapidly out of the diving range of feeding seabirds. Recommended minimum standards for branch line weighting configurations include the following:(a) 40 g or greater attached within 0.5 m of the hook; or(b) 60 g or greater attached within 1 m of the hook; or(c) 80 g or greater attached within 2 m of the hook.

Reduce seabird attacks on baited hooks Recommended

Night setting Most vulnerable seabirds are inactive at night. Setting longlines at night, between nautical twilight and nautical dawn avoids contact with seabirds.


Bird-scaring lines for vessels >35m in total length

Bird-scaring lines run from a high point at the stern to a device or mechanism that creates drag at its terminus, and consistently achieve an aerial extent of 100 m.Vessels >35m should use two bird-scaring lines, one on each side of the sinking longline. Streamers for vessels >35m should be brightly coloured and a mix of long and short, placed at intervals of no more than 5m.


Bird-scaring lines for vessels <35m in total length

Bird-scaring lines run from a high point at the stern to a device or mechanism that creates drag at its terminus, and consistently achieve an aerial extent of 75 m.Small vessels should use a single bird-scaring line—either long and short streamers or short streamers only. Streamers for vessels <35m should be brightly coloured. Short streamers (>1m) should be placed at 1m intervals along the length of the aerial extent.


Hook shielding devices Hook-shielding devices to be deployed prior to setting to deter birds from accessing baited hooks.

Reduce risk of seabird bycatch on baited hooks Recommended


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Hook-shields shall be positioned at the hook, and shall encapsulate the barb and point of the hook during setting.Hook shields shall remain attached until either a minimum depth of 10 m, or minimum immersion time of 10 minutes is reached.Hook shields shall meet minimum standards for branch line weighting.

General measures

Time-area fishery closures Temporary closure to fishing of important seabird foraging areas (e.g. areas adjacent to important seabird colonies during the breeding season or highly productive waters when large numbers of aggressively feeding seabirds are present).

Avoid seabird bycatch Recommended

Table D3 Demersal longline fisheries


General

Area and seasonal closures The temporary closure of important seabird foraging areas (e.g. near seabird colonies during the breeding season, when large numbers of aggressively feeding seabirds are present).


Line settling

Line weighting Lines should be weighted to get the baited hooks rapidly out of the range of feeding seabirds. Weights should be deployed before line tension occurs to ensure that the line sinks rapidly out of reach of seabirds.


External-weighted line: Spanish system

In the Spanish system the buoyant longlines are deployed with steel weights (minimum 5kg) attached at 4 m intervals to make them sink.


External-weighted line: Chilean method

This variant of the traditional Spanish double-line method uses a net sleeve or cachalotera, which envelops captured fish during hauling. Hooks are clustered on secondary lines that have steel weights attached, at a minimum of 5kg at 40m intervals. Weights are deployed directly below the hooks. Hook-bearing lines sink in a vertical profile resulting in very fast hook sink rates.



27



External-weighted line: autoline Autoline gear consists of a single line with steel weights at a minimum of 5kg at 40m intervals. These lines sink fast and consistently, with a near-linear profile from the surface.


Night setting Most vulnerable seabirds are inactive at night. Setting longlines at night, between nautical twilight and nautical dawn avoids contact with seabirds.


Bird-scaring lines for vessels >35m in total length

Bird-scaring lines run from a high point at the stern to a device or mechanism that creates drag at its terminus.Vessels >35m should use two bird-scaring lines, one on each side of the sinking longline. Streamers for vessels >35m should be brightly coloured and a mix of long and short, placed at intervals of no more than 5m.


Bird-scaring lines for vessels <35m in total length

Bird-scaring lines run from a high point at the stern to a device or mechanism that creates drag at its terminus.Small vessels should use a single bird-scaring line—either long and short streamers or short streamers only. Streamers for vessels <35m should be brightly coloured. Short streamers (>1m) should be placed at 1m intervals along the length of the aerial extent.


Offal and discard management Offal and discards should be retained on board. If this is not possible, these should be either retained on board during hauling (preferable) or released on the opposite side of the vessel to the hauling bay.


Line hauling

Bird exclusion device (BED/brickle curtain)

A BED or brickle curtain is a horizontal support several metres above the water that encircles the entire line hauling bay. Vertical streamers are positioned between the support and water surface.

Deter birds from flying into the area where the line is being hauled and prevent birds that are sitting on the surface from swimming into the hauling bay area

Recommended

Offal and discard management Offal and discards should be retained on board. If this is not possible, these should be either retained on board during hauling (preferable) or released on the opposite side of the vessel to the hauling bay.



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Appendix E: Implementation action tablesObjective 1Understand the extent of incidental catches of seabirds.

Table E1 Actions to achieve Objective 1, NPOA–Seabirds

Action Responsible Time frame

1.1 Conduct a qualitative or quantitative assessment of the level of incidental catch of seabirds and current use of mitigation measures in all relevant fisheries (Appendix A).

– Fisheries management agencies

– Environmental management agencies

12 months

1.2 Develop a national data standard for logbook reporting of incidental catch of seabirds and the use of mitigation measures in commercial fisheries. (Appendix B)

– AG Department of Agriculture and Water Resources

– ABARES

12 months

1.3 Implement national data standard for logbook reporting, ensuring comparable, representative and verifiable time-series information.

– Fisheries management agencies by 2019

1.4 Identify gaps in existing monitoring and data collection programmes for recreational fishing to understand the incidental catch of seabirds.



by 2021

1.5 In capture fisheries with uncertain seabird catch levels, conduct independent monitoring to provide impartial and representative data.


- Commercial fisheries members

by 2021

1.6 Investigate potential for additional tools for seabird identification, such as morphological diagnostic tools or DNA identification kits.


– Industry bodies

– Research and Development institutions

by 2010

1.7 Analyse collected information to determine the extent of incidental catch of seabirds in capture fisheries.


– ABARES

– Australian Fisheries Management Forum subcommittee

by 2020

Source: Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (forthcoming)

Objective 2Have best practice seabird bycatch mitigation in capture fisheries to:

minimise or, where practicable, eliminate incidental catch of seabirds

contribute towards achieving and maintaining a favourable conservation status for seabirds.


Action Responsible Time frames

2.1 Identify and review use of existing mitigation measures in all relevant capture fisheries against best

– Fisheries management agencies by end 2018


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practice (using ACAP advice where appropriate). – Environmental management agencies

2.2 Assess the need for mitigation practices in all capture fisheries and implement best practice mitigation where identified.


ACAP Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels

Objective 3Promote development of innovative mitigation procedures and technologies that are feasible, effective and efficient.



3.1 Encourage and support innovation in mitigation, including through research, development and extension.



- AG Department of the Environment and Energy

– Commercial fisheries members

by end 2019

3.2 Assess the need for changed mitigation practices in all capture fisheries and implement best practice mitigation where identified.


3.3 Develop national guidelines for conducting research on seabird bycatch mitigation.


- AG Department of the Environment and Energy

by end 2018

3.4 Develop a toolbox of effective technologies that can be applied to different fisheries.


3.5 Develop management arrangements that complement best practice mitigation measures.



30


Objective 4Increase awareness and understanding of the incidental catch of seabirds and best practice mitigation.



4.1 Incorporate within commercial and recreational education programmes information about the incidental catch of seabirds and effective mitigation techniques.



– Commercial fisheries

– Non-government environmental groups

by end 2018

4.2 Promote how to recognise and report interactions with seabirds.




– Non-government environmental groups

ongoing

4.3 Develop and promote duty of care and seabird handling techniques, especially for hooked and entangled seabirds.




– non-government environmental groups

ongoing

4.4 Provide guidance and raise awareness on best practices to minimise interactions with fishing gear and discarded gear.

– Fisheries management agencies ongoing

4.5 Promote best practice mitigation of seabird interactions in codes of conduct.




– non-government environmental groups

ongoing

Objective 5Promote adoption of effective mitigation measures in regional fisheries and conservation bodies.



5.1 Advocate for effective mitigation measures in regional fisheries and conservation bodies.

– Commonwealth agencies on behalf of the Australian Government.

ongoing

5.2 Encourage collaborative research between countries.

– Commonwealth agencies on behalf of the Australian Government.

ongoing


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