What triggers an examination of seabird bycatch levels in Canada?

Abstract

In Canada, two federal departments have responsibilities relevant to fisheries bycatch: Environment and Climate Change Canada manages seabird populations, while Fisheries and Oceans Canada manages fisheries. Both departments need to determine population-level impacts of fisheries on seabirds to fulfill respective mandates, but gaps in policy implementation prevent access to, or analysis of, collected bycatch data. No formal processes exist to bring together these data. We provide examples of how seabird bycatch assessments have been triggered in Canada, and we describe key elements in resolving this impasse for future conservation efforts.