Recommendation GFCM/44/2021/13 on the mitigation of fisheries impacts for the conservation of seabirds in the Mediterranean Sea. Country/Territory Document type Regulation Date 2021 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Fisheries, Wild species & ecosystems Keyword Bycatch Data collection/reporting Fishery management and conservation Monitoring Precautionary principle Protection of species Birds Endangered species Biodiversity Abstract This Recommendation establishes measures to improve the conservation status of seabirds and minimize, mitigate and, where possible, eliminate the unwanted interactions between fishing operations and seabirds, particularly for species listed under Annex II to the SPA/BD protocol of the Barcelona Convention. This Recommendation engages the contracting parties and cooperating non-contracting parties to develop conservation measures in high-risk areas defined by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Fisheries, ensuring that the incidental catch of the critically endangered Balearic shearwater in fishing activities is monitored and eliminated where possible and taking into consideration national measures. This Recommendation shall apply to all commercial fishing activities in geographical subareas (GSAs) 1 to 27 where, according to the advice of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Fisheries, the bycatch of seabird species listed under Annex II to the SPA/BD Protocol of the Barcelona Convention occurs, mainly when seabirds are caught incidentally during fishing operations. In accordance with Recommendation GFCM/35/2011/3, the contracting parties and cooperating non-contracting parties shall systematically report information on incidental catch rates of seabirds. Full text English Website www.fao.org