Recommendation GFCM/35/2011/3 on reducing incidental bycatch of seabirds in fisheries in the GFCM area of application. Country/Territory Document type Regulation Date 2011 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Fisheries, Wild species & ecosystems Keyword Bycatch Protection of species Precautionary principle International organization Data collection/reporting Fishing vessel Enforcement/compliance Monitoring Fishery management and conservation Birds Endangered species Biodiversity Abstract Contracting parties and cooperating non-contracting parties should develop mechanisms for monitoring, recording and minimizing the incidental catch of seabirds in fishing activities, in particular for endangered and threatened species under Annex II of the Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean. This Recommendation underlines that any event of incidental catch and release shall be recorded by the vessel owner/master in the logbook and reported to national authorities for notification to the GFCM Secretariat. The Scientific Advisory Committee on Fisheries and the GFCM Secretariat shall assist in developing mechanisms to enable contracting parties and cooperating non-contracting parties to monitor and record data on seabirds and fishing interactions, including regular reporting to the GFCM Secretariat. The GFCM shall consider adopting additional measures for the mitigation of incidental catch of seabirds, whenever it is considered to endanger the survival of seabird populations, while taking into account the socio-economic impact on fisheries. Full text English Website www.fao.org