Save the Seabirds

Forest and Bird, Volume 21, Issue 4, 1 November 1990, Page 30

Save the Seabirds

F OREST AND BIRD believes the seabird mortality rate in the world's oceans is totally unacceptable. In order to safeguard the survival of these magnificent birds, we are calling for: e Protection of seabirds to be extended from the 12-mile to the 200-mile economic zone. Marine mammals and turtles are already protected within the 200-mile zone. ¢ Compulsory reporting to the Department of Conservation of seabird bycatch in commercial fisheries and an increase in the number of Government observers onboard boats. At present many more birds are being caught than are being reported. ¢ The Department of Conservation to set up regular population monitoring programs for all seabird species on land and at sea. e A marine mammal sanctuary around

the Auckland Islands, for the protection of the threatened Hooker's sealion. The 60-nautical mile trawler exclusion zone Forest and Bird is seeking would give some protection to seabirds within the area as well. e An end to drift net fishing worldwide. e An end to set netting around New Zealand coasts, except for flounder and yellow-eyed mullet, where fishers are attending their nets. e Longline fishers to institute the changes outlined in this article to reduce seabird mortalities. e The Minister of Fisheries, when setting fish quotas, to take into account the secondary effects of fishing, such as the effect on birds’ food supplies. Fish quotas to be set at sustainable levels.