NEAFC request on seabird bycatch in the NEAFC regulatory areas (RAs)

No seabird bycatch events were reported to ICES in fisheries in the North-East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) regulatory areas (RAs) for 2019–2021. Until significant improvements in data quality and quantity are resolved, ICES cannot conclude that no seabird bycatch occurs in the NEAFC RAs, nor estimate robust and unbiased bycatch rates.

ICES identified four subareas within the NEAFC RAs where the relative risk of seabirds interacting with fisheries is likely to be high; this is based on fisheries data for 2018–2022 and available knowledge on twenty seabird species that occur in the area.

ICES advises on a three-step incremental approach for improving data and knowledge to evaluate seabird bycatch in the NEAFC RAs. This includes the acquisition of complete and high‑resolution fisheries data, design and implementation of a pilot study, and establishment of a long-term dedicated monitoring programme to evaluate seabird bycatch.