Workshop on Impact of Mistnets on Migratory Birds in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway

Mist nets and similar trapping tools are known to be widely used in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF) to hunt and trap wild birds for consumption, for recreation, or as disturbance control. These practices have led to net use for illegal take of wild birds and to the unintended capture of non-target species  and are likely to have posed a significant threat to wild bird populations throughout the region. Despite these conservation concerns, the impact of nets on migratory birds remains inadequately assessed and is likely severely underestimated. This lack of knowledge has also compromised efforts in many countries to regulate and manage the sale, possession and use of nets, and carry out effective conservation interventions. A cooperative approach across countries is needed in order to increase the strength of policy intervention and conservation action to mitigate the impact of mist nets. Recognizing the importance of trapping and trade as threats to migratory birds, based on the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Resolution 11.16 (Rev.COP15) The Prevention of Illegal Killing, Taking and Trade of Migratory Birds, the Asia Pacific Illegal Taking of Migratory Birds Intergovernmental Task Force (ITTEA) was formed and developed a Programme of Work targeting regional priorities in consultation with Parties, interested Non-Party Range States, other stakeholders and subject matter experts.  Global cooperative work to address the challenge of mist nets was also mandated by CMS Decision 15.145.   

The workshop will take place in person from Friday 20 November to Saturday 21 November, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand. The workshop is addressed to the governments of countries in the EAAF. IGO and NGO stakeholders and other government experts will be attending as well to share their experiences in ITB.  

Objectives of the Workshop 

The completion of the situation analysis on the use and impact of mist nets on wild birds in Asia, published in March 2026, provides an opportunity to reflect on the challenge that mist nets pose on a regional level and share recommendations for addressing this challenge. This workshop aims to strengthen regional networks for action on mist nets through the following objectives: 

The workshop will also provide guidance on use of the national scoreboard for improving monitoring of the effectiveness of actions taken to address ITB.  

     - Developing and implementing actions for mitigating the impact of mist nets; 

    - Engaging and coordinating relevant stakeholders; 

    - Improving the understanding of hotspots and trends in mist net usage and impact on migratory birds;