IB 01-56: The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) Updates the Report on Options for Monitoring the Incidental Catch of the Endangered Short-Tailed Albatross in the Pacific Halibut Fishery in Federally-Managed Waters off Alaska

The IPHC recently provided the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) with an updated report on practical options for monitoring the incidental catch of the endangered short-tailed albatross (Phoebastria albatrus) in the Pacific halibut fishery in federally-managed waters off Alaska, according to James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.

Two additions have been made to the December, 2000 version of "A Feasibility Study that Investigates Options for Monitoring Bycatch of the Short-tailed Albatross in the Pacific Halibut Fishery off Alaska". The first is the addition of an Executive Summary. The second is an expanded discussion of an Evaluation of Video Monitoring. Although the latter topic was addressed in the December 2000 version, IPHC revised the report to make it more informative for decision-makers. Both sections are included in the Addendum. A revised final report containing these additions has been released with a February 2001 date and the word Revised on the cover. In lieu of obtaining a February 2001 report, this Addendum may be added to the December, 2000 report for a report equivalent to the February 2001 report. Note that the section on Evaluation of Video Monitoring in this Addendum should replace the section contained in the December, 2000 report.

See the news release issued by NMFS on January 8, 2001 for additional information. The updated report can be obtained from our website or by contacting Kim Rivera at (907) 586-7424. Read about other efforts to reduce the incidental catch of seabirds in longline fisheries on the Alaska seabird bycatch page.