Joint OSPAR-HELCOM workshop to examine possibilities for developing indicators for incidental by-catch of birds and marine mammals

The Secretariat attended the Joint OSPAR-HELCOM workshop to examine possibilities for developing indicators for incidental by-catch of birds and marine mammals in Copenhagen (Denmark) in October 2019.

Neighbouring Regional Seas Conventions (RSCs) OSPAR and HELCOM organised a joint workshop to progress work on assessing the pressure from incidental by-catch of birds and marine mammals. The workshop was a forum to progress work on assessing the pressure from incidental by-catch and developing regional indicators.

The workshop built on previous work at OSPAR to develop a common indicator and lessons learned. OSPAR also brought together other interested parties, such as our Observers ASCOBANS and thorough their collaboration with ACCOBAMS also experts from the Mediterranean, and IWC and NAMMCO representatives.

Assessing the pressure from incidental by-catch is a complex matter, where detailed technical knowledge on data collection frameworks for fisheries is needed as well as detailed technical knowledge of the life history traits of the assessed species. The issue is seen as relevant by RSCs, however it has been difficult to progress work sufficiently to complete a regional assessment. The workshop brought together over 50 experts on the topic and was structured around break-out group work. This was seen as very beneficial by the experts, as they were able to focus on the issue and make detailed proposals on future actions.

Further information https://portal.helcom.fi/meetings/Incidental%20bycatch%20WS%201-2019-647/default.aspx