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Reports

•

October 2026

Seabird-Safe Fishing – Capacity Gap Analysis

Published Under

SOM Steering Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation (SCE), Ocean and Fisheries Working Group (OFWG)

Accessed

0

Pages

49

The Seabird-Safe Fishing Capacity Gap Analysis was undertaken to support tuna longline industries across APEC economies in adopting practices that reduce seabird bycatch while maintaining profitable fishing operations. Through interviews, qualitative research, and a workshop involving more than 100 participants from ten economies, the project identified key drivers and barriers to seabird-safe fishing. Regulatory requirements, operational efficiencies, and environmental concerns were found to motivate adoption. However, challenges persist, including difficulties using seabird-safe equipment, safety concerns, questions about potential impacts on target catch rates, and limited understanding of the ecological rationale behind mitigation measures. The report recommends capacity building in collaborative research and innovation, operational safety protocols, targeted outreach and training, and integrated monitoring and feedback to strengthen industry engagement. Targeted capacity building would help protect vulnerable seabird species and strengthen the resilience of tuna businesses seeking to meet market demands for sustainability.