Seabird bycatch in the Argentinean demersal longline fishery, 2001-2010

FAVERO, M.; BLANCO, G.; COPELLO, S.; SECO PON, J. P.; PATTERLINI, C.; MARIANO-JELICICH, R.; GARCÍA, G.; BERÓN, M. P.

Endangered Species Research

Inter-Research Science Center

Año: 2012

1613-4796

Seabird mortality associated with fisheries is one of the most important threats leading to the population decrease of various species, particularly albatrosses and petrels. The present study was conducted to (1) analyze the seabird by-catch in the Argentinean demersal longline fishery during the decade 2001-2010, (2) provide a baseline of the levels of incidental mortality prior to the implementation of the National Plan of Action – Seabirds, and (3) characterize in space and time the occurrence and intensity of seabird mortality. Fishing effort decreased from some 30 to 5 million hooks set per year and the overall by-catch rate for the whole period was 0.033 birds ± 0.019/ 1000 hooks. The estimated total mortalities for the 10 year period was 7470 ± 2449 seabirds, chiefly Black-browed albatrosses and White-chinned petrels. Seabird mortalities decreased by one order of magnitude towards the end of the decade, not due to lower by-catch rates but a drop in the number of hooks set per year. Besides the progress achieved in Argentina, the refinement of mechanisms to ensure the effective implementation of the National Plan of Action - Seabirds is imperative to reduce seabird by-catch to negligible levels, including the effective compliance of the conservation measure for longliners, entered into force in 2010. Other management related actions such as the increase of capacities within the National Observer Program, and the refinement of seabird sampling protocols will be important to allow a reliable monitoring of seabird by-catch levels under the implementation of the above referred regulatory framework.