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Document: ISSF 2024-04: Inputs for Comprehensive Bycatch Management Strategy Evaluation in Tuna Fisheries


There has been growing concern over the sustainability of marine megafauna exposed to bycatch fishing mortality. This study assembled databases of mitigation methods for at-risk species exposed to pelagic longline, tuna purse seine and drift gillnet fisheries.

The databases enable the discovery of bycatch mitigation methods and enable accounting for multispecies effects of alternative bycatch mitigation strategies across exposed populations and stocks of at-risk species. The study defines key inputs for comprehensive, multispecies bycatch management strategy evaluation of: the size of the effect of an intervention on catch and fishing mortality rates; multispecies conflicts and mutual benefits; strength of evidence, including in practice; commercial viability costs; compliance likelihood; and rates of components of fishing mortality.

The robust evaluation of alternative bycatch management strategies against this suite of criteria enables simulating the outcomes of alternative strategies to determine which best meets objectives.

The report includes a draft Decision or Resolution on holistic bycatch MSE to aid regional fisheries management organizations in identifying candidate elements for potential inclusion in measures.

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Suggested Citation:

Gilman, E., Murua, H. and Chaloupka, M. (2024). Inputs for Comprehensive Bycatch Management Strategy Evaluation in Tuna Fisheries. ISSF Technical Report 2024-04. International Seafood Sustainability Foundation, Pittsburgh, PA, USA