Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna Incidental Take of Seabirds in Commercial Fisheries in the Arctic Countries: part one List of contributors

Alaska fisheries are traditionally and economically important and, in 1992, fisheries subject to bycatch monitoring were valued at US$1.538 billion. Bycatch is the major seabird mortality factor and a serious conservation concern. Estimated average incidental mortality (1989-93) in selected fisheries was ca 11,200 birds annually. About 88% of the bycatch was in longline fisheries. Northern Fulmars and albatrosses constituted the bulk of the kill. Alaska has a multi-jurisdictional fisheries observer program but not all fisheries are monitored for seabird bycatch. Recommendations are: to continue collaboration among the various jurisdictions and standardise seabird training for fishery observers, monitor seabird mortality in drift gillnet fisheries and the Pacific halibut longline fisheries, research gear modifications, and participate in the FAO project on longline fisheries bycatch. Canada is an active fishing nation and has northern fisheries in Arctic Canada and Arctic-influenced waters of Atlantic Canada. The Arctic fishery, primarily Char, is mainly subsistence and native-run. No reports of seabird bycatch could be found. In Atlantic Canada, groundfish, especially Cod, are the cornerstone species. Seabird bycatch was not monitored systematically nor a major concern of the fisheries agency. However, an inshore groundfish monitoring effort from 1981-84 estimated a kill of ca 30,000, mainly Common Murres. Data show a high correlation between kill rate and type of net, vicinity of seabird breeding colonies, and timing. Anecdotal information also suggests high bycatch mortality in the offshore fisheries. Since 1992, there has been a groundfish moratorium and seabird bycatch mortality has plummeted. A limited fishery reopened in 1997 but low bycatch is predicted due to location. Impacts of bycatch on populations are unknown but some estimates are alarming. Seabirds are legally protected but there are no regulations or guidelines on bycatch. Recommendations are: to improve monitoring, investigate gear design modifications, highlight bycatch as an important environmental impact in some fisheries and include bycatch considerations in the regulatory regime of Arctic Char. Finland has marine fisheries in the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland, which, including aquaculture, account for 0.2% of national income. According to 1992 figures, the division of the catch is 80% commercial and 20% recreational. Baltic Herring, Sprat, Salmon and Whitefish are the most important species. There are no official statistics on bycatch and it has not been a major conservation issue. Information available indicates victims are mainly Common Eider and alcids. An increase in Salmon driftnet fishing has not resulted in an increase in bycatch …