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Public comment is now being sought on a consultation paper on varying the Threat Abatement Plan 2006 for the incidental catch (or bycatch) of seabirds during oceanic longline fishing operations (Threat Abatement Plan for Seabirds).  The three-month public consultation period is open until 31 October 2013.

The proposed variation to the existing plan provides a national strategy to guide activities of government, industry and research organisations in abating the impact of oceanic longline fishing operations on seabirds in Commonwealth fisheries.

A review of the 2006 Threat Abatement Plan for Seabirds in 2011 noted that significant efforts had been made to implement actions specified in the plan with positive results having been achieved including the improved avoidance of, and reduction in, seabird bycatch over nearly five years.  While considerable progress in mitigation of seabird bycatch in Commonwealth longline fisheries had occurred, the review confirmed a threat abatement plan was still required and concluded that a variation to the 2006 Threat Abatement Plan for Seabirds was appropriate.

Under the proposed variation to the plan the consultation paper considers the following:

$1·         objectives to be achieved

$1·         actions to achieve the objectives

$1·         criteria to measure performance of the plan

$1·         duration and cost of the plan

$1·         organisations and persons involved in evaluating the performance of the plan

$1·         albatross and other seabird species affected by the key threatening process.

The consultation paper and related documents are available on the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water Population and Communities website.

Comments on the consultation paper will be welcomed.

Further information about the existing Threat Abatement Plan for Seabirds 2006 for the incidental catch (or bycatch) of seabirds during oceanic longline fishing operations is available at the Threat Abatement Plan – seabirds page.

Shy Albatrosses on Australia's Albatross Island

Photograph by Drew Lee

Reference:

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities 2013.  Varying the Threat Abatement Plan 2006 for the incidental catch (or bycatch) of seabirds during oceanic longline fishing operations: Consultation Paper.  Canberra: Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.  24 pp.

John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 10 August 2013