NMFS reports take of short tailed albatross by Bering Sea longliner - limit is 4 birds every 2 yrs
SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SCOM] Sept. 19, 2014
NMFS has reported an incidental take of a Short-Tailed Albatross in the BSAI Hook-and-Line Groundfish Fishery. A second unidentified albatross was in the same haul, the identity of which will be evaluated after the observer debriefing. The birds were taken on September 7, 2014 at 58°47” 54’ N and 177°43” 36’ W in NMFS reporting area 521. The confirmed short-tailed albatross had an identifying leg band from its natal breeding colony in Japan and was five years old. The last three documented STAL takes in Alaska were in August 2010, September 2010, and October 2011.
The latest confirmed take on September 7, 2014 is shown by the green star, while the red stars indicate observed locations of incidental takes since 1987.
The world population of the endangered short-tailed albatross is currently estimated at almost 4,400 individuals. The short-tailed albatross is protected in Alaska waters by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). As a result of consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under the ESA, USFWS issued an incidental take statement of four birds during each two-year period for the BSAI...
To Read Full Story Login Below.