Decisions 15.26 to 15.29 - Bycatch and Other Fisheries-induced Mortality
Aquatic Species Conservation Issues
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Decision directed to: Parties
Decision directed to: Parties
Decision directed to: Scientific Council
Decision directed to: Secretariat
15.26
Parties are requested to:
a) apply the recommendations by Breimann and Baker (2025) on marine turtle bycatch mitigation provided in Annex 1;
b) encourage Regional Fishery Bodies (RFBs) and other relevant bodies, to undertake population assessments for species that are included in the Appendices of CMS so as to facilitate a more robust understanding of the current status and population trends of these taxa. Such analyses should be conducted at the species-level where practical for defined areas of study. If there are insufficient species-specific data for any given area, then analyses could be conducted at the genus-level. If analyses are conducted at the genus level, then relevant datasets that can be used to inform on the species composition in the area (or for the fleet(s) of interest) could usefully be provided.
15.27
Parties are requested to review their existing legislation and enact new legislation, as required, with a view to addressing the prohibition of the taking of Appendix I-listed chondrichthyan species.
15.28
The Scientific Council is requested to, subject to the availability of resources:
a) regarding bycatch of CMS-listed marine mammals and marine turtles:
i. identify regions where reviews of relative levels of bycatch in commercial and artisanal fisheries would be a priority and/or beneficial;
ii. collaborate with all relevant organizations, including fisheries management bodies, to develop regional reviews with a view to reducing the levels of bycatch in commercial and artisanal fisheries;
iii. identify and prioritize fisheries and areas in which adverse impacts of bycatch are most severe;
iv. cooperate with the relevant organizations, including fisheries bodies, to develop the most appropriate bycatch mitigation measures for fisheries of highest priority;
v. develop appropriate bycatch mitigation measures with associated timebound action plans;
b) in collaboration with the Advisory Committee of the Sharks MOU, continue the ongoing review and appraisal of current data and knowledge regarding the levels of fisheries-induced mortality of CMS- and Sharks MOU-listed chondrichthyan species, and prepare recommendations on reducing fisheries-induced mortality;
c) develop a report to quantify the contribution of bycatch and other fisheries-related mortalities of CMS-listed cetaceans to trophic downgrading and the health and function of marine ecosystems, and make recommendations to Parties;
d) review current knowledge on existing measures to reduce and mitigate bycatch of freshwater fish for both commercial and artisanal fisheries, and make recommendations to Parties on the most effective and appropriate measures to mitigate bycatch, while ensuring that recommended measures do not act to the disadvantage of other CMS-listed species;
e) in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, ensure cross-referencing with seabird bycatch work, to ensure consideration of cross-taxa implications, and identify opportunities for further collaboration on addressing fisheries-induced mortality across taxa;
f) review and appraise, in collaboration with CMS’s daughter Agreements, current data and knowledge regarding the impact (and potential impact) of maw fisheries on marine mammal, marine turtle, and chondrichthyan species;
g) in conjunction with the International Whaling Commission Bycatch Mitigation Initiative, develop recommendations on the most effective and appropriate measures to reduce and mitigate bycatch in maw fisheries.
15.29
The Secretariat shall, subject to the availability of resources:
a) prepare a synthesis report to be published as part of the CMS Technical Series, in collaboration with the COP-appointed Councillor for Bycatch, to collate the experience gained from bycatch mitigation strategies for marine mammals as developed for COP13, sharks and rays as developed for COP14, seabirds as developed by AEWA and ACAP, and marine turtles as developed for COP15, as well as any new relevant scientific information that arises;
b) work with the IWC, CITES and other relevant intergovernmental organizations, Parties and stakeholders to address the bycatch impacts of the trade in fish maw;
c) contribute to a possible international expert workshop to review current knowledge on the impacts of the maw trade and the most effective and appropriate mitigation measures to reduce bycatch;
d) support the Scientific Council with the implementation of Decision 15.28;
e) prepare legislative guidance materials and model laws and provide technical support to assist Parties in drafting adequate national legislation to support the implementation of Article III (5) of the Convention regarding the prohibition of the taking of Appendix I-listed chondrichthyan species.