Building blocks for an action plan on ETP bycatch mitigation and monitoring

Across Europe, considerable efforts are being made to reduce bycatch of endangered, threatened and protected (ETP) species. For these to have lasting effect, results must be embedded in policy and management through a clear strategy, strong collaboration and timely implementation. This report presents the building blocks for an Action Plan to ensure effective implementation of proven mitigation measures and to improve scientific monitoring of unwanted ETP bycatch. An assessment of regulatory mechanisms, informed by literature and a focus group with Dutch policy-makers, resulted in a ‘choice menu’ (Table 1) to guide decision-making. The mechanisms range from self-regulation (e.g. codes of conduct, covenants, Producer Organisation measures) to government-led tools (e.g. national regulations, Joint Recommendations, the EU Technical Measures Regulation). The choice of mechanism is context-specific, and involving stakeholders in the process is essential to ensure legitimacy and support. Monitoring of ETP bycatch is crucial for identifying high-risk fisheries, targeting mitigation, and evaluating effectiveness. Current challenges in the European Data Collection Framework include adequate coverage, data quality issues in non-dedicated programmes, insufficient articulation by end-users of their needs in terms of sampling coverage, barriers to adoption of Electronic Monitoring, and incomplete logbook data (for example, missing fields for soaking time). A phased and pragmatic approach is needed, combining regulatory readiness, better use of forthcoming logbook data, innovation, and stronger industry engagement. The report was commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature. The author acknowledges the valuable input of representatives from this ministry in a focus group for this study, and the contribution of international scientific experts on ETP species monitoring.