Australia calls for comment on its new Seabird Threat Abatement Plan for longline fisheries

Australia is calling for public comment on the draft update to its Threat Abatement Plan 2014 for the Incidental Catch (or Bycatch) of Seabirds during Oceanic Longline Fishing Operations.

A Black-browed Albatross feeds its downy chick on Australia's Heard Island

“The draft threat abatement plan for incidental catch of seabirds provides a national strategy to guide the activities of government, industry and research organisations in abating the impact of oceanic longline fishing operations on seabirds in Commonwealth fisheries.”

The consultation paper and related documents are available on the Department of the Environment and Energy website here.  The public consultation period is open until 30 June 2017.

Further information about the 2014 abatement plan is available at the Threat Abatement Plan – seabirds page.

With thanks to Jonathon Barrington, Australian Antarctic Division, for information.

John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 16 March 2017