Falklands Conservation

The Falkland Islands National Plans of Action to Reduce Seabird Mortality

In the last year, Falklands Conservation are delighted to have had a key role in the development and preparation of these documents, which represent a huge step forward for both the Islands and the UK Overseas Territories as a whole. Funded by the RSPB, these documents were written by Dr Ben Sullivan, of the Falklands Conservation Seabirds at Sea Team.

Currently in their Draft format, these represent the first Plans of Action to be in the process of being formally approved by the Falklands Government. They have already been passed by the Environment Committee and are now seeking final approval from the fishing industry before the Executive Council of the Falklands Government finally accepts them. There is a Plan for both trawling and long-lining, as both are known to cause a level of bird mortality. Whilst not yet in full Plan format, there is also an Assessment Directive for jigging, the third main fishing activity that occurs in FI waters. This simply states that there will be a Plan drafted as soon as data is gathered about the level of bird interaction within this fishery.

Once in place, they will mark a significant improvement in the acceptance of responsibility for bird by-catch within the fishing industry and also lay out mitigation measures, limits for critical mortality and a seabird interaction management strategy, including educational and operational measures.

• FI Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries - 323kb PDF file
• FI Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Trawl Fisheries - 253kb PDF file
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