National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds

National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries Republic of Korea January 2014 Contents National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries I. Introduction II. Current Status of Korean Fisheries Related to Incidental Catch of Seabirds 2.1. Fisheries Related to Incidental Catch of Seabirds 2.2. Status of Incidental Catch of Seabirds III. National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds 3.1. Objective and Scope 3.2. Mitigation Measures for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds 3.3. Data Collection and Analysis 3.4. Research and Development 3.5. Assessment 3.6. Education, Training and Publicity 3.7. International Cooperation 3.8. Others IV. References V. Appendices 5 7 7 11 11 18 19 20 20 21 21 22 23 •5 I. Introduction Seabirds are being incidentally caught in longline fisheries operating on the world’s oceans, and concerns are rising about the negative impact of the seabird bycatch on their conservation status. The seabird bycatch may also have adverse impact on fishing productivity and profitability. Thus, there is an increasing need for conservation and management of seabird populations, resulting in more petitions for mitigation measures to reduce the incidental mortality of seabirds in longline fisheries. Noting the increased concern on the incidental catch of seabirds in longline fisheries and its potential negative impact on seabird populations, a proposal was formulated at the Twenty second Session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI) in March 1997 that the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) organize an expert consultation to develop guidelines leading to a plan of action for reducing the incidental catch of seabirds. The “International Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries (IPOA-Seabirds)” was developed through the meeting of a Technical Working Group in Tokyo in March 1988 and the Consultation on the Management of Fishing Capacity, Shark Fisheries and Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries held October 1998 and its preparatory meeting held in Rome July 1998. According to the IPOA-Seabirds recommendations, States in the waters of which longline fisheries are being conducted by their own or foreign vessels, and states that conduct longline fisheries on the high seas and in the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of other States are encouraged to establish and implement National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds (NPOA-Seabirds) in efforts to scientifically analyse impacts of longline fisheries on seabirds and to develop mitigation measures suited for each specific fishery. Introduction I Consequently, the Republic of Korea established the “National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds” in January, 2014. The NPOA-Seabirds provides guidelines for reducing incidental catch of seabirds to all longline fisheries operating in the exclusive economic zone of Korea and to all Korean longline fisheries operating in waters outside the State. Korea will sincerely implement its NPOA-Seabirds through efforts to develop effective mitigation measures for reducing incidental catch of seabirds and, to this end, ensure support for implementation of NPOA-Seabirds as well as stronger activity in education, training and publicity. 6• National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries •7 II. Current Status of Korean Fisheries Related to Incidental Catch of Seabirds 2.1. Fisheries Related to Incidental Catch of Seabirds Korean longline fisheries are classified into coastal, offshore and distant water fisheries, with the distant water and offshore fisheries managed by the central government and the coastal fisheries by local governments. Depending upon target species and fishing methods, there are several types of the distant water tuna longline fishery (hereafter referred to as "tuna longline fishery"), distant water bottom longline fishery (hereafter referred to as "bottom longline fishery") and so on. And domestic longline fisheries in Korean waters are classified into costal and offshore fisheries, and costal longline fishery belongs to the coastal composite fishery1) under the Fisheries Act at present. Accordingly, National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds applies to tuna longline fishery, bottom longline fishery, coastal and offshore longline fishery, etc. 2.1.1. Tuna Longline Fishery Korean tuna longliners are large, being greater than 200 ton of total tonnage, about 150 vessels of which are currently operating in the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Ocean. Of them, about 85% conduct fishery primarily targeting bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) and yellowfin tuna (T. albacares) in the waters between 20°N~20°S latitude of the Pacific Ocean. Korean longliners rarely conduct fishery in waters where seabird species mostly occur (north of 23°N, south of 30°S in the Pacific Ocean). In the Indian Ocean, Korean longliners mainly target southern bluefin tuna (T. maccoyii), bigeye tuna, yellowfin tuna and albacore tuna (T. alalunga) in latitudes of 30°~45°S. These latitudes are regulated by IOTC2) Resolution on Reducing the Incidental Bycatch of Seabird in Longline Fisheries (south of 25°S in the Indian Ocean). In the Atlantic Ocean, longliners target bigeye tuna and yellowfin tuna in the waters of 20°N~20°S while a few vessels targeting southern bluefin tuna conduct fishery in waters regulated by ICCAT3) Recommendation on Reducing Incidental Bycatch of Seabird in Longline Fisheries (south of 25°S in the Atlantic Ocean). Current Status of Korean Fisheries Related to Incidental Catch of Seabirds II 1) Coastal composite fishery refers to longline fishery, octopus pot, fishery of saury by hand, shell fishery, etc. conducted by nonpower vessels or by power vessels less than 10 ton of total tonnage. 2) IOTC: Indian Ocean Tuna Commission 3) ICCAT: International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna 8• National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries 2.1.2. Bottom Longline Fishery Bottom longline fishery mainly targets cods and toothfishes (Antarctic toothfish, Dissostichus mawsoni as well as Patagonian toothfish, D. eleginoides). Depending upon target species, the fishing grounds are divided into the northern Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean and the Antarctic Ocean. Currently the bottom longline fishery fishing for cod is operated by vessels of 400-500 ton in the Bering Sea of the northern Pacific Ocean. As for the bottom longline fishery fishing for toothfishes, vessels of 400-800 ton operate in the waters of the Antarctic Ocean, the southwestern Atlantic Ocean and the southern Indian Ocean. 2.1.3. Coastal and Offshore Longline Fishery Coastal and offshore longline fisheries mainly catch flatfishes, cods and rockfishes in the EEZ of Korea, though the target species and fishing methods vary within the EEZ. 2.2. Status of Incidental Catch of Seabirds In recent, it was reported that the world's seabirds are more threatened than any other group of birds. Of about 350 seabird species, 29% are globally threaten and a further 10% near threatened, while nearly half are known or suspected to be experiencing declines in their populations. The albatross family is especially imperilled, with 17 of 22 species threatened with extinction. Thus urgent measures for protecting and managing these species are required. 2.2.1 Distant Water Fishery As a result of observer trips, a total of 13 seabird species has been recorded bycaught incidentally by Korean tuna longliners and bottom longliners fishing for toothfishes, and 2 species (black-browed albatross and yellow-nosed albatross) of which are listed as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN4)’s Red List <Table 1>. 4) IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature •9 II. Current Status of Korean Fisheries Related to Incidental Catch of Seabirds Seabirds bycaught by Korean distant water longline fisheries were mostly found in the waters of 40°S and 20°- 40°E, and major species of them were black-browed albatross, wandering albatross and yellow-nosed albatross <Figure 1>. <Table 1> List of seabird species incidentally bycaught by Korean tuna longline fisheries and bottom longline fisheries fishing for toothfishes Black-browed albatross Thalassarche melanophrys Endangered Indian, (EN) Atlantic Buller's albatross Thalassarche bulleri Vulnerable (VU) Indian Cape petrel Daption capense Least Concern (LC) Indian Flesh-footed shearwater Puffinus carneipes Least Concern (LC) Indian Grey-headed albatross Thalassarche chrysostoma Vulnerable (VU) Indian Grey petrel Procellaria cinerea Near Threatened (NT) Atlantic Northern giant petrel Macronectes halli Least Concern (LC) Indian Shy albatross Thalassarche cauta Near Threatened (NT) Indian Southern giant petrel Macronectes giganteus Least Concern (LC) Indian Southern royal albatross Diomedea epomophora Vulnerable Southern Pacific, (VU) Indian Wandering albatross Diomedea exulans Vulnerable Indian, (VU) Atlantic White-chinned petrel Procellaria aequinoctialis Vulnerable (VU) Indian Yellow-nosed albatross Thalassarche carteri Endangered Indian, (EN) Atlantic English name Scientific name IUCN Ocean where it conservation status occurred 10• National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries 2.2.2 Coastal and Offshore Fisheries It was found that seabirds were incidentally bycaught in drift nets, pots, set nets, etc. in the Korean coastal and offshore fisheries (Park et al., 2012), though it is hard to obtain accurate information on the seabird bycatch status due to lack of comprehensive researches and related studies. Black-browed albatross Buller's albatross Cape petrel Flesh-footed shearwater Grey-headed albatross Northern giant petrel Shy albatross Southern giant petrel Southern royal albatross Wandering albatross White-chinned petrel Yellow-nosed albatross <Figure 1> Distributions of seabirds incidentally bycaught by Korean tuna longline fisheries and bottom longline fisheries fishing for toothfishes. •11 III. National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds 3.1. Objective and Scope 3.1.1. Objective Taking into account the IPOA-seabirds provided by FAO, the “National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds (NPOA-seabirds)” has been developed to enhance conservation and management measures on seabirds in terms of promoting international cooperation for reducing the mortality of seabirds. 3.1.2. Scope The NPOA-Seabirds applies to all Korean vessels which conduct longline fisheries in the waters under jurisdiction of Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) and the high seas, as well as Korean and foreign vessels which conduct longline fisheries in the EEZ of Korea. 3.2. Mitigation Measures for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds Implementation of mitigation measures for reducing incidental catch of seabirds in distant water fisheries is regulated by the “Distant Water Fisheries Development Act”, and fishers are fined for breeching the regulations. Under Article 135) of the act, longliners, operating in the waters under jurisdiction of RFMOs, should sincerely implement mitigation measures for reducing incidental catch of seabirds in accordance with resolutions of the competent RFMOs. For those operating in the waters outside of jurisdiction of RFMOs, they are also encouraged to take appropriate measures to minimize incidental catch of seabirds. Basic policies for reducing incidental catch of seabirds are as follows; National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds III 5) Article 13 ①Distant water fishery operators shall duly conduct fishery within the extent to which they are allowed and comply with RFMOs resolutions on resources conservation measures and international regulations related to fisheries in the high seas. 12• National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries i) For a seabird bycaught alive in the process of longline operation, fishers should make their best effort to remove the hook in a way as not to risk the bird's life and to release it alive (see Appendix 1). ii) Longliners, which operate in the waters under jurisdiction of RFMOs, should implement mitigation measures for reducing incidental catch of seabirds in accordance with resolutions of the competent RFMOs. iii) Longliners, which operate in the waters outside of jurisdiction of RFMOs, are also encouraged to voluntarily improve and implement appropriate mitigation measures for reducing bycatch of seabirds. iv) In implementing and improving the mitigation measures, it is advised to make considerations respecting extensive experience of fishers for long years, minimizing their economic burden and maximizing their safety. 3.2.1. Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC6)) Area (1) South of 30°S Longliners fishing south of 30°S shall use at least two of the three measures below (See Appendix 2 for specification of these measures). •Weighted branch lines •Night setting •Tori line (2) North of 23°N Longliners fishing north of 23°N shall use at least two of the mitigation measures listed in Table 2, including at least one of measures from Column A (See Appendix 2 for specifications of these measures). 6) Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission CMM 2012-07: Conservation and management measure to mitigate the impact of fishing for highly migratory fish stocks on seabirds •13 III. National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds * If using side setting with a bird curtain and weighted branch lines from Column A, this will be counted as two mitigation measures. ** If tori line is selected from both Column A and Column B, this equates simultaneously using two (i.e. paired) tori lines. (3) Other areas Longliners fishing in other waters between 30°S and 23°N are encouraged to use one or more of the mitigation measure listed in Table 2, as appropriate. 3.2.2. Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC7)) Area Longliners of greater than 20 m length overall that use hydraulic, mechanical or electrical systems and that fish in the area managed by the IATTC resolution on seabirds shall use at least two of the mitigation measures listed in Table 3, including at least one of measures from Column A. The areas requiring these measures in the eastern Pacific Ocean are as follows: north of 23°N (except in Mexico waters as described in the minutes of the 81th IATTC meeting) and south of 30°S, plus the area bounded by the coastline at 2°N, west to 2°N 95°W, south to 15°S 95°W, east to 15°S 85°W, and south to 30°S <Figure 2>. Longliners shall not use the same measures from Column A and Column B (See Appendix 3 for specifications of these measures). Column A Column B •Side setting with a bird curtain and weighted branch lines* •Night setting with minimum deck lighting •Tori line •Weighted branch lines •Tori line** •Blue-dyed bait •Deep setting line shooter •Management of offal discharge <Table 2> WCPFC mitigation measures for reducing seabird bycatch 7) Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission C-11-02: Resolution to mitigate the impact on seabirds of fishing for species covered by the IATTC 14• National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries <Figure 2> The areas within the IATTC in which use of at least two mitigation measures for reducing seabird bycatch is required (shaded area). * This measure can only be applied in the area north of 23°N until research establishes the utility of this measure in waters south of 30°S. If using side setting with a bird curtain and weighted Column A Column B •Side setting with a bird curtain and weighted branch lines* •Night setting with minimum deck lighting •Tori line •Weighted branch lines •Tori line** •Weighted branch lines •Blue-dyed bait •Deep setting line shooter •Underwater setting chute •Management of offal discharge <Table 3> IATTC mitigation measures for reducing seabird bycatch •15 III. National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds branch lines from column A, this will be counted as two mitigation measures. ** If tori line is selected from both Column A and Column B, this equates to simultaneously using two (i.e. paired) tori lines. Longliners operating in other waters outside of the areas shown in <Figure 2> are encouraged to voluntarily use at least one of mitigation measures listed in <Table 3>. 3.2.3. Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC8)) and International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT9)) Areas Longliners which fishing south of 25°S in the Indian and the Atlantic Ocean shall use at least two of the three mitigation measures below (See Appendix 4 for specifications of these measures). These measures should be considered for implementation in other areas, as appropirate, consistent with scientific advice. •Night setting with minimum deck lighting •Bird-scaring lines (Tori lines) •Line weighting 3.2.4. Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT10)) Area Longliners fishing for southern bluefin tuna shall implement the conservation and management measures for reducing bycatch of seabirds adopted by the competent RFMO which has jurisdiction over their fishing grounds (for example, SBT vessels fishing in the IOTC convention area shall comply with IOTC resolutions). 8) Indian Ocean Tuna Commission Resolution 12/06: Resolution on reducing the incidental bycatch of seabirds in longline fisheries 9) International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna Recommendation 11-09: Supplemental recommendation by ICCAT on reducing incidental bycatch of seabirds in ICCAT longline fisheries 10) Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna Recommendation: Recommendation to mitigate the impact on ecologically related species of fishing for southern bluefin tuna 16• National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries 11) Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources Conservation Measure 25-02: Minimisation of the incidental mortality of seabirds in the course of longline fishing or longline fishing research in the Convention Area 12) Except for waters adjacent to the Kerguelen, Crozet and Prince Edward Islands 13) Hookline is defined as the groundline or mainline to which the baited hooks are attached by snoods. 14) Traditional weights are those made from rocks or concrete. 15) Solid steel weights shall not be made from chain links. They should be made in a hydrodynamic shape designed to sink rapidly. 3.2.5. Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR11)) Area Longliners fishing in the CCAMLR convention area12) shall be required to take the measures listed below to reduce incidental bycatch of seabirds. i) Fishing operations shall be conducted in such a way that hooklines13) sink beyond the reach of seabirds as soon as possible after they are put in the water. ii) Vessels using autoline systems should add weights to the hookline or use integrated weight (IW) hooklines while deploying longlines. IW longlines of a minimum of 50 g/m or attachment to non-IW longlines of 5 kg weights at 50 to 60 m intervals are recommended. iii) Vessels using the Spanish method of longline fishing should release weights before line tension occurs; traditional weights14) of at least 8.5 kg mass shall be used, spaced at intervals of no more than 40 m, or traditional weights of at least 6 kg mass shall be used, spaced at intervals of no more than 20 m, or solid steel weights15) of at least 5 kg mass shall be used, spaced at intervals of no more than 40 m. iv) Vessels using the trotline system exclusively (not a mix of trotlines and the Spanish system within the same longline) shall deploy weights only at the distal end of the droppers in the trotline. Weights shall be traditional weights of at least 6 kg or solid steel weights of at least 5 kg. Vessels alternating between the use of the Spanish system and trotline method shall use; (i) for the Spanish system: line weighting shall conform to the provisions in paragraph 3, (ii) for the trotline method: line weighting shall be either 8.5 kg traditional weights or 5 kg steel weights attached •17 III. National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds on the hook-end of all droppers in the trotline at no more than 80 m intervals16). v) Longlines shall be set at night only (i.e. during the hours of darkness between the times of nautical twilight17))18). During longline fishing at night, only the minimum ship’s lights necessary for safety shall be used. vi) The dumping of offal19) and discards20) is prohibited while longlines are being set. The dumping of offal during the haul shall be avoided. Any such discharge shall take place only on the opposite side of the vessel to that where longlines are hauled. For vessels or fisheries where there is not a requirement to retain offal on board the vessel, a system shall be implemented to remove fish hooks from offal prior to discharge. vii) Vessels which are so configured that they lack on-board processing facilities or adequate capacity to retain offal on board, or the ability to discharge offal on the opposite side of the vessel to that where longlines are hauled, shall not be authorised to fish in the Convention Area. viii) A streamer line shall be deployed during longline setting to deter birds from approaching the hookline (see Appendix 5 for specifications of the streamer line and its method of deployment). ix) A bird exclusion device (BED) designed to discourage birds from accessing baits during the hauling of longlines shall be employed to the extent allowed by prevailing weather conditions 16) Recognizing that Spanish system longlines with weights at 40 m intervals are typically configured with lines at 80 m intervals that connect hauling and hook lines (see <Figure 6> in Appendix). These connecting lines form the dropper lines of the trotline method. 17) The exact times of nautical twilight are set forth in the Nautical Almanac tables for the relevant latitude, local time and date. A copy of the algorithm for calculating these times is available from the CCAMLR Secretariat. All times, whether for ship operations or observer reporting, shall be referenced to GMT. 18) Wherever possible, setting of lines should be completed at least three hours before sunrise. 19) Offal is defined as bait and by-products from the processing of fish and other organisms, including parts or sections of fish or organisms which are by-products of processing. 20) For the purpose of this conservation measure, discards are defined as whole fish or other organisms, except elasmobranchs and invertebrates where the vessel is fishing north of 60°S, returned to the sea dead or with low expectation of survival. 18• National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries in those areas21) defined by CCAMLR as average-to-high or high (Level of Risk 4 or 5) in terms of risk of seabird bycatch (see Appendix 5 for guidelines for a BED). Vessels operating in low- to medium-risk areas (Level of Risk 1 to 3) are encouraged to use BEDs during the haul of longlines. 3.2.6. Other Areas As for longliners which operate in the waters outside of jurisdiction of RFMOs, within wasters managed by RFMOs but not yet officially established, or within the EEZ of Korea, they are encouraged to voluntarily implement and improve mitigation measures for reducing seabird bycatch. 3.3. Data Collection and Analysis Data on seabirds incidentally bycaught by distant water longline fisheries should be reported in the bycatch logbook22) in accordance with the “Regulations on Reporting of Fishing Operations in the Korean EEZ and Distant Waters (Ministerial Decree No. 1)”. This logbook should be submitted monthly to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF), along with the tuna and tuna-like species logbook. Data reported by fishers are collected and analyzed by National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) and submitted to the competent RFMOs as requested. As for incidental bycatch of seabirds by the coastal and offshore fisheries in the EEZ of Korea, it is hard to understand accurate status due to lack of information, and concrete plan for data collec tion on seabird bycatch has not been developed up to date. However, in an effort to enhance con servation of seabirds in those waters, Korea is planning to monitor incidental catch of seabirds by coastal and offshore fisheries in the EEZ of Korea. To improve data on seabird bycatch, NFRDI has published and distributed the “Field Guide to 21) These areas are currently Statistical Subareas 48.3, 58.6 and 58.7 and Statistical Divisions 58.5.1 and 58.5.2. 22) There are two types of logbook which captains of distant waters fisheries shall record and report. One is for tuna and tuna-like species and the other is for bycatch species including sharks, seabirds, sea turtles, etc. •19 III. National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds Bycatch Species in Korean Distant Water Fisheries” <Figure 3> to longliners. However, there is a limit to collect accurate data on seabird bycatch. Because fishers are not experts on seabirds, the data may have an uncertainty on species identification. To overcome this problem, Korea is implementing scientific observer programs to improve the quality of data. For assessing the status of incidental mortality of seabirds and the effectiveness of mitigation measures, it is required to collect correct and reliable data. Hence, longline vessels are encouraged to make the following efforts for collection of the best data. i) Fishers are encouraged to record and report the detailed data, including name of species, the number of bycatch, the fate (dead/alive), whether released alive or not, etc. ii) Longliners fishing in the waters of jurisdiction of RFMOs shall record and report relevant data in a logbook in accordance with resolutions of the competent RFMOs. iii) If it is impossible to identify the species of seabirds, fishers should take pictures of the seabirds and send them to NFRDI. iv) Scientific observers onboard should collect as much relevant data on seabirds bycaught incidentally as possible and make efforts to collect data on seabirds observed near the fishing vessel as well. 3.4. Research and Development Korea is carrying out researches to develop mitigation measures best suited for Korean longline vessels to reduce incidental catch of seabirds. Korea acknowledges the urgent need for an effective conservation and management plan for seabirds. Although Korea is presently in the early stages of developing the research system on seabirds, Korea will establish the infrastructure of Research and Development (R&D) and promote its medium-to-longterm plan. The R&D plan for reducing incidental catch of seabirds will be developed taking into account the following objectives. 20• National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries i) To develop the most effective and practical seabird deterrent devices ii) To develop devices that respect extensive experience of fishers for long years iii) To develop devices with the cost minimized but safety maximized 3.5. Assessment The purpose of assessment of the NPOA-Seabirds is to monitor the status of seabird bycatch by Korean longline fisheries and to assess the progress of implementation, effectiveness and development of the NPOA-Seabirds. To assess the NPOA-Seabirds, Korea will regularly monitor longline fisheries to determine if a problem exists with respect to incidental catch of seabirds. If a problem exists, Korea will adopt a revised edition of the NPOA-Seabirds and continue its effort to reduce incidental catch of seabirds. According to paragraph 21 of IPOA-Seabirds, Korea will report on the progress of the implementation, assessment and development of its NPOA-Seabirds as part of its biennial reporting to FAO on the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. 3.6. Education, Training and Publicity In an effort to raise awareness regarding conservation and management of seabirds and to dis seminate mitigation measures regulated by regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) to fishers, the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) of Korea conducts education/training for operators of fishing vessels prior to departure of their trip. In addition, the NFRDI carries out a variety of publicity activities including international workshops participated by both Korean and international experts on seabirds. To help fishers for better understanding on bycatch, the NFRDI has published and distributed the “Field Guide on Bycatch Species in Korean Distant Water Fisheries” <Figure 3> being able to use easily and conveniently on board, which is also offered to governmental and educational organizations and the general public. •21 III. National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds To effectively implement the NPOA-Seabirds, the following activities will be taken: i) Development and improvement of education/training programs for fishers ii) Revision of the field guide on bycatch species, and publication and dissemination of its pamphlets iii) Strengthening of public relations 3.7. International Cooperation Korea will completely implement its NPOA-Seabirds for reducing incidental catch of seabirds in longline fisheries and make efforts to develop and disseminate effective and practical mitigation measures. In addition, Korea will actively cooperate with the other states and the international special organzations with much technical knowledge and experience on seabirds. 3.8. Others The Republic of Korea will continue to develop and implements its “National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries”, which will be revised, if nec essary, based upon regular assesment. <Figure 3> Field guide on bycatch species in Korean distant water fisheries. 22• National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries References IV Park, H.-W., S.-K. Choi, J.-M. Jung, J.-H. Kim and H.-C. Kim. 2012. An assessment of seabird by catch in coastal fisheries in the East Sea. Kor. J. Orni. Vol. 19(2), 151-161. •23 V. Appendices 1. Care for live seabirds on hooks Often hooks can be easily removed from wings, legs or bill tips but if the hook has been swallowed the bird may not survive long unless the hook is removed. The following procedure is recommended when the position of the hook can be found. 1) Get the bird aboard as gently as possible and hold it by the bill immediately. 2) Restrain the bird for not allowing it moves, then open its bill with two hands. A second person can now find the hook position externally by feeling along the neck or internally by following the line to the hook. 3) Reach down the bird’s throat and hold the hook. Gently force the tip of the hook so that it bulges under the skin of the bird then make a small cut to allow the hook to pass through the skin and be removed. ※ Important • Never try and extract a hook backwards as considerably more damage will be caused. • If removing an internally embedded hook will cause further damage to the bird, just cut the line as close as possible to the hook, and leave it in place 2. Guideline for mitigation measures on reducing incidental catch of seabirds of WCPFC 1) Tori lines (South of 30° South) 1a) For vessels >=35 m total length • Deploy at least 1 tori line. Where practical, vessels are encouraged to use a second tori line at times of high bird abundance or activity; both tori lines shall be deployed Appendices V 24• National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries simultaneously, one on each side of the line being set. If two tori lines are used baited hooks shall be deployed within the area bounded by the two tori lines. • A tori line using long and short streamers shall be used. Streamers shall be: brightly coloured, a mix of long and short streamers. Long streamers shall be placed at intervals of no more than 5 m, and long streamers must be attached to the line with swivels that prevent streamers from wrapping around the line. Long streamers of sufficient length to reach the sea surface in calm conditions must be used. Short streamers (greater than 1 m in length) shall be placed no more than 1 m apart. • Vessels shall deploy the tori line to achieve a desired aerial extent greater than or equal to 100 m. To achieve this aerial extent the tori line shall have a minimum length of 200 m, and shall be attached to a tori pole >7 m above the sea surface located as close to the stern as practical. • If vessels use only one tori line, the tori line shall be deployed windward of sinking baits. 1b) For vessels < 35 m total length • A single tori line using either long and short streamers, or short steamers only shall be used. • Streamers shall be: brightly coloured long and/or short (but greater than 1 m in length) streamers must be used and placed at intervals as follows: Long streamers placed at intervals of no more than 5 m for the first 55 m of tori line. Short streamers placed at intervals of no more than 1 m. • Long streamers shall be attached to the line with swivels that prevent streamers from wrapping around the line. All long streamers shall reach the sea surface in calm conditions. • Vessels shall deploy the tori line to achieve a desired aerial extent of 75 m. To achieve this aerial extent the tori line shall have a minimum length of 100 m, and shall be attached •25 V. Appendices to a tori pole >6 m above the sea surface located as close to the stern as practical. If the tori line is less than 150 m in length, it must have a towed object attached to the end so that the aerial extent is maintained over the sinking baited hooks. • If two tori lines are used, the two lines must be deployed on opposing sides of the main line. 2) Tori lines (North of 23° North) 2a) Long Streamer • Minimum length: 100 m • Must be attached to the vessels such that it is suspended from a point a minimum of 5 m above the water at the stern on the windward side of the point where the hookline enters the water. • Must be attached so that the aerial extent is maintained over the sinking baited hooks. • Streamers must be less than 5 m apart, be using swivels and long enough so that they are as close to the water as possible. • If two (i.e. paired) tori lines are used, the two lines must be deployed on opposing sides of the main line. 2b) Short Streamer • Must be attached to the vessel such that it is suspended from a point a minimum of 5 m above the water at the stern on the windward side of a point where the hookline enters the water. • Must be attached so that the aerial extent is maintained over the sinking baited hooks. • Streamers must be less than 1 m apart and be 30 cm in minimum length. • If two (i.e. paired) tori lines are used, the two lines must be deployed on opposing sides of the main line. 26• National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries 3) Side setting with bird curtain and weighted branch lines • Mainline deployed from port or starboard side as far from stern as practicable (at least 1 m), and if mainline shooter is used, must be mounted at least 1 m forward of the stern. • When seabirds are present, the gear must ensure mainline is deployed slack so that baited hooks remain submerged. • Bird curtain must be employed: Pole aft of line shooter at least 3 m long; Minimum of 3 main streamers attached to upper 2 m of pole; Main streamer diameter minimum 20 mm; Branch streamers attached to end of each main streamer long enough to drag on water (no wind) : minimum diameter 10 mm. 4) Night setting • No setting between nautical dawn and before nautical dusk. • Nautical dusk and nautical dawn are defined as set out in the Nautical Almanac tables for relevant latitude, local time and date. • Deck lighting to be kept to a minimum. Minimum deck lighting should not breach minimum standards for safety and navigation. 5) Weighted branch lines • Following minimum weight specifications are required: one weight greater than or equal to 40 g within 50 cm of the hook; or greater than or equal to a total of 45 g attached to within 1 m of the hook; or greater than or equal to a total of 60 g attached to within 3.5 m of the hook; or greater than or equal to a total of 98 g attached to within 4 m of the hook. •27 V. Appendices 6) Management of offal discharge • Either no offal discharge during setting or hauling; • Or strategic offal discharge from the opposite side of the boat to setting/hauling to actively encourage birds away from baited hooks. 7) Blue-dyed bait • If using blue-dyed bait it must be fully thawed when dyed. • The Commission Secretariat shall distribute a standardized colour placard. • All bait must be dyed to the shade shown in the placard. 8) Deep setting line shooter • Line shooters must be deployed in a manner such that the hooks are set substantially deeper than they would be lacking the use of the line shooter, and such that the majority of hooks reach depths of at least 100 m. 28• National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries 3. Guideline for mitigation measures on reducing incidental catch of seabirds of IATTC 1) Specifications for Column A mitigation measures of Table 3 1a) Tori lines • Minimum length: 100 m • Must be attached to the vessel such that it is suspended from a point a minimum of 5 m above the water at the stern on the windward side of the point where the hookline enters the water. • Must be attached so that the aerial extent is maintained over the sinking baited hooks. • Streamers must be less than 5 m apart, be using swivels and long enough so that they are as close to the water as possible. • If the tori line is less than 150 m in length, must have a towed object attached to the end so that the aerial extent is maintained over the sinking baited hooks. • If two (i.e. paired) tori lines are used, the two lines must be deployed on opposing sides of the main line. 1b) Tori line (light streamer) • Minimum length of tori line: 100 m or three times the total length of the vessel. • Must be attached to the vessel such that it is suspended from a point a minimum of 5 m above the water at the stern on the windward side of a point where the hookline enters the water. • Must be attached so that the aerial extent is maintained over the sinking baited hooks. • Streamers must be less than 1 m apart and be 30 cm in minimum length. • If two (i.e. paired) tori lines are used, the two lines must be deployed on opposing sides of the main line. •29 V. Appendices 2) Side setting with bird curtain and weighted branch lines • Mainline deployed from port or starboard side as far from stern as practicable (at least 1 m), and if mainline shooter is used, must be mounted at least 1 m forward of the stern. • When seabirds are present, the gear must ensure mainline is deployed slack so that baited hooks remain submerged. • Bird curtain must be employed: Pole aft of line shooter at least 3 m long; Minimum of 3 main streamers attached to upper 2 m of pole; Main streamer diameter minimum 20 mm; Branch streamers attached to end of each main streamer long enough to drag on water (no wind) : minimum diameter 10 mm. 3) Night setting • No setting between local sunrise and one hour after local sunset. • Deck lighting to be kept to a minimum, noting requirements for safety and navigation. 4) Weighted branch lines • Following minimum weight specifications are required: • Minimum weights attached to all branch lines is 45 g, with the following options: less than 60 g weight attached to within 1 m of the hook; or greater than 60 g and less than 98 g weight attached to within 3.5 m of the hook; or greater than 98 g weight attached to within 4 m of the hook. □Specifications for Column B of Table 3 mitigation measures 1) Weighted branch lines • Following minimum weight specifications are required: 30• National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries • Minimum weights attached to all branch lines is 45 g, with the following options: less than 60 g weight attached to within 1 m of the hook; or greater than 60 g and less than 98 g weight attached to within 3.5 m of the hook; or greater than 98 g weight attached to within 4 m of the hook. 2) Blue dyed bait • The IATTC Secretariat shall distribute a standardized color placard. • All bait must be dyed to the shade shown in the placard. 3) Management of offal discharge • Either: No offal discharge during setting or hauling; or Strategic offal discharge from the opposite side of the boat to setting/hauling to actively encourage birds away from baited hooks. 4. Guideline for mitigation measures on reducing incidental catch of seabirds of IOTC and ICCAT 1) Night setting with minimum deck lighting □Description • No setting between nautical dawn and before nautical dusk. • Deck lighting to be kept to a minimum. □Specification • Nautical dusk and nautical dawn are defined as set out in the Nautical Almanac tables for relevant latitude, local time and date. • Minimum deck lighting should not breach minimum standards for safety and navigation. •31 V. Appendices 2) Bird-scaring lines (Tori lines) □Description • Bird-scaring lines shall be deployed during the entire longline setting to deter birds from approaching the branch line. □Specification For vessels greater than or equal to 35 m: • Deploy at least 1 bird-scaring line. Where practical, vessels are encouraged to use a second tori pole and bird-scaring line at times of high bird abundance or activity; both tori lines should be deployed simultaneously, one on each side of the line being set. • Aerial extent of bird-scaring lines must be greater than or equal to 100 m. • Long streamers of sufficient length to reach the sea surface in calm conditions must be used. • Long streamers must be at intervals of no more than 5 m. For vessels less than 35 m: • Deploy at least 1 bird-scaring line. • Aerial extent must be greater than or equal to 75 m. • Long and/or short (but greater than 1 m in length) streamers must be used and placed at intervals as follows: Short: intervals of no more than 2 m. Long: intervals of no more than 5 m for the first 55 m of bird scaring line. □Tori line design <see Figure 4> • An appropriate towed device on the section of the tori line in the water can improve the aerial extension. • The above water section of the line should be sufficiently light that its movement is unpredictable to avoid habituation by birds and sufficiently heavy to avoid deflection of the line by wind. 32• National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries • The line is best attached to the vessel with a robust barrel swivel to reduce tangling of the line. • The streamers should be made of material that is conspicuous and produces an unpredictable lively action (e.g. strong fine line sheathed in red polyurethane tubing) suspended from a robust three-way swivel (that again reduces tangles) attached to the tori line. • Each streamer should consist of two or more strands. • Each streamer pair should be detachable by means of a clip so that line stowage is more efficient. □ Deployment of tori lines • The line should be suspended from a pole affixed to the vessel. The tori pole should be set as high as possible so that the line protects bait a good distant astern of the vessel and will not tangle with fishing gear. Greater pole height provides greater bait protection. For example, a height of around 7m above the water line can give about 100 m of bait protection. • If vessels use only one tori line, it should be set to windward of sinking baits. If baited hooks are set outboard of the wake, the streamer line attachment point to the vessel should <Figure 4> Diagram of bird scaring streamer line in the IOTC and ICCAT convention area. Streamer Line Towing Point Aerial Extent Towed Object Creating tension Hookline Streamers 5m 5m •33 V. Appendices be positioned several meters outboard of the side of the vessel that baits are deployed. If vessels use two tori lines, baited hooks should be deployed within the area bounded by the two tori lines. • Deployment of multiple tori lines is encouraged to provide even greater protection of baits from birds. • Because there is the potential for line breakage and tangling, spare tori lines should be car ried onboard to replace damaged lines and to ensure fishing operations can continue unin terrupted. Breakaways can be incorporated into the tori line to minimize safety and operational problems should a longline float foul or tangle with the in-water extent of a streamer line. • When fishers use a bait casting machine (BCM), they must ensure coordination of tori line and machine by: i) ensuring the BCM throws directly under the tori line protection, and ii) when using a BCM (or multiple BCMs) that allows throwing to both port and starboard, two tori lines should be used. • When casting branchline by hand, fishers should ensure that the baited hooks and coiled branchline sections are cast under the tori line protection, avoiding the propeller turbulence which may slow the sink rate. • Fishers are encouraged to install manual, electric or hydraulic winches to improve ease of deployment and retrieval of tori lines. 3) Line weighting □ Description • Line weights to be deployed on the snood prior to setting. □ Specification • Greater than a total of 45 g attached within 1 m of the hook; or • Greater than a total of 60 g attached within 3.5 m of the hook; or • Greater than a total of 98 g attached within 4 m of the hook. 34• National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries 5. Guideline for mitigation measures on reducing incidental catch of seabirds of CCAMLR 1) Design and deployment of streamer line • The aerial extent of the streamer line, which is the part of the line supporting the streamers, is the effective seabird deterrent component of a streamer line. Vessels are encouraged to optimise the aerial extent and ensure that it protects the hookline as far astern of the vessel as possible, even in crosswinds. • The streamer line shall be attached to the vessel such that it is suspended from a point a minimum of 7 m above the water at the stern on the windward side of the point where the hookline enters the water. • The streamer line shall be a minimum of 150 m in length and include an object towed at the seaward end to create tension to maximise aerial coverage. The object towed should be maintained directly behind the attachment point to the vessel such that in crosswinds the aerial extent of the streamer line is over the hookline. • Branched streamers, each comprising two strands of a minimum of 3 mm diameter brightly coloured plastic tubing23) or cord, shall be attached no more than 5 m apart commencing 5 m from the point of attachment of the streamer line to the vessel and thereafter along the aerial extent of the line. Streamer length shall range between minimums of 6.5 m from the stern to 1 m for the seaward end. When a streamer line is fully deployed, the branched streamers should reach the sea surface in the absence of wind and swell. Swivels or a similar device should be placed in the streamer line in such a way as to prevent streamers being twisted around the streamer line. Each branched streamer may also have 23) Plastic tubing should be of a type that is manufactured to be protected from ultraviolet radiation. •35 V. Appendices a swivel or other device at its attachment point to the streamer line to prevent fouling of individual streamers. • Vessels are encouraged to deploy a second streamer line such that streamer lines are towed from the point of attachment each side of the hookline. The leeward streamer line should be of similar specifications (in order to avoid entanglement the leeward streamer line may need to be shorter) and deployed from the leeward side of the hookline. 2) Bird exclusion device, BED • Effective BEDs have been demonstrated to have two main operational characteristics: deterrence of birds from flying directly into the area where the line is being hauled; prevention of birds that are sitting on the surface from swimming into the hauling bay area. • Thus, vessels are encouraged to use BEDs that demonstrate these two characteristics. <Figure 5> Diagram of bird scaring streamer line in the CCAMLR convention area. Streamer Line Aerial Extent Towed Object Creating tension Hookline Streamers 7m 5m 5m 5m Towing Point 36• National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries <Figure 6> Typical configuration of Spanish system. Hauling line ≤ 80m Hook line Connecting line/ dorpper lineStern of vessel Curtain of hooks Line weights Setting direction <Figure 7> Typical configuration of trotline system. Hauling line ≤ 80m Connecting line/ dorpper lineStern of vessel Solitary or multiple hook lines each with cluster of snoods Cachalotera net