WA7-Reducing bycatch of seabirds and sea turtles

Incidental catch, or bycatch, in commercial trawl and longline fisheries is largely considered to be the most important threat facing sea turtles and many species of seabird.

Conservation of these highly migratory species with slow reproductive performance requires concerted, multi-lateral effort. Understanding where, when and how bycatch is crucial. In addition, effective laws and regulations and permits are needed.

We like to reduce bycatch of seabirds and sea turtles in trawl and longline fisheries by:

improving scientific knowledge on fishing, gear-types and bycatch areas
improving practice bycatch mitigation in key fleets in national waters and the high seas
building capacity of observers and national scientists to collect, manage and analyze effort and bycatch data
national and international policy and advocacy for national legislation and regulation