[Birdbycatch] IPOA seabirds (fwd)

[liz mitchel atsea]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Tue, 1 Oct 2002 14:36:18 +1000
From: Lyn.Brown@affa.gov.au
To: subscribe-fish-web@affa.gov.au
Subject: IPOA seabirds

Dear Fish Web Subscribers

In response to global concern about the status of seabird stocks and the
impact of longline fishing on seabirds, in 1999, the United Nations Food
and Agriculture Organisation approved an International Plan of Action
for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries
(IPOA-Seabirds).  The IPOA-Seabirds recommends that member States should
undertake a national assessment to determine the need to develop a
National Plan of Action for reducing the incidental catch of seabirds in
longline fisheries (NPOA-Seabirds).  Australia took an active role in
developing and supporting the IPOA-Seabirds and has agreed to assist in
assessments required under the IPOA and, if required, in developing and
implementing a Seabirds-plan.

The objective of the IPOA-Seabirds is to reduce incidental catch of
seabirds in longline fisheries where this occurs. Information on the
IPOA is available at: <http://www.fao.org/fi/ipa/incide.asp>.  The
process for developing a national plan outlined in the IPOA-Seabirds
initially involves a technical assessment of seabird interactions with
longline fisheries. Following production of the Assessment Report, a
Seabirds-plan can be developed which outlines actions for mitigating
seabird interactions with all relevant longline fisheries.

Australia is well placed to develop a Seabirds-plan with the existence
of a Threat Abatement Plan for the incidental catch (or by-catch) of
seabirds during oceanic longline fishing operations (TAP). The TAP is
binding on the Commonwealth and encourages complementary action in State
waters.  In addition, the National Policy on Fisheries Bycatch was
developed in 1999, where all Australian Governments agreed to develop a
bycatch policy that provides options by which each jurisdiction can
manage bycatch according to its situation.

A Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG) comprising representatives from all
key stakeholder groups will assist in developing the Seabirds-plan. The
SRG will construct a practical and workable plan for seabirds that
builds on the work that has already been undertaken in Australia. The
task of the group will be to examine the Assessment Report to assist in
the development of objectives and strategies for the Seabirds-plan. In
respect of Commonwealth fisheries, it is envisaged that the
Seabirds-plan will reflect, in the main, the TAP requirements. The
actions included in the Seabirds-plan may relate to data collection,
education, research, gear technology and fishing practices voluntary
codes and regulatory measures.

This draft Seabird Assessment Report is available on the web at:
www.affa.gov.au/content/output.cfm?ObjectID=D2C48F86-BA1A-11A1-A2200060B0A00887
<http://www.affa.gov.au/content/output.cfm?ObjectID=D2C48F86-BA1A-11A1-A2200060B0A00887>.

Could you please provide all comments on draft Seabirds Assessment
Report to Ms Louise Galli by 28 October 2002 at louise.galli@affa.gov.au
or by post to:

Ms Louise Galli
Fisheries and Aquaculture Industries
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry-Australia
GPO Box 858
CANBERRA  ACT  2601