Minimising interactions with seabirds during fishing operations is a priority for the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) as is assisting the Commonwealth fishing industry to meet the requirements of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act in relation to seabird interactions. AFMA works with scientists and seabird experts, conservation groups, government agencies and both the recreational and commercial fishing sectors to develop and implement seabird mitigation measures for Commonwealth commercial fisheries.
AFMA is currently developing a Protected Species Strategy for Seabirds and held a Seabird Bycatch Mitigation Workshop on 24-25 October 2016 in Hobart as part of its development. Over the two days, conservation, government, science and commercial fishing participants, gave presentations to help inform others at the meeting about seabird protection from their individual perspectives. Internationally renowned seabird scientist Dr Rachael Alderman presented on the life cycle, distribution and foraging ranges for shy albatross. This was invaluable in providing the group with an understanding of where commercial and recreational fisheries spatially intersect with this species. Similarly, South East Trawl Fishing Industry Association Executive Officer, Simon Boag, gave a presentation on the industry-based work being done in trawl fisheries to further reduce seabird interactions. This world-leading work is widely recognised as a working model of how the Commonwealth fishing industry can address this important issue.
In addition to hearing from the different sectors about the protection of seabirds, the attendees also participated in a review of current and potential future seabird mitigation approaches that could be applied in Commonwealth fisheries. This included consideration of future data and research needs to contribute to a Protected Species Strategy for Seabirds.
A second seabird workshop is scheduled for the first half of 2017 to review AFMA’s draft Protected Species Strategy for Seabirds. This will also provide an opportunity to ensure consistency with the anticipated draft National Plan of Action for Seabirds, being led by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.
For more information on the work being done to reduce interactions with seabirds in Commonwealth fisheries visit afma.gov.au