TUNA LONGLINE FISHERIES OFF SOUTHERN AFRICA - THE NEED TO LIMIT SEABIRD BYCATCH

Longline fisheries kill biologically significant numbers of seabirds, resulting in global population decreases. Off southern Africa efforts have been made to curb this problem in fisheries for hake and toothfis h, but little is being done about the impact of tuna longline fisherie s. South Africa should require permit holders fishing in the South Afr ican Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to employ effective measures to red uce seabird mortality, and exert pressure through international conven tions to enforce the use of these measures outside the EEZ. Independen t observer programmes are required to ensure compliance, monitor seabi rd mortality, and continue research on the effectiveness of mitigation measures.