The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, which met for its 12th session from 7-11 June 2008, in Muscat, Oman, has advanced seabird conservation by adopting a measure to minimize the bycatch of vulnerable albatross and petrel species.

All 22 species of albatross are birds of conservation concern and 19 species are facing global extinction. Most of these seabird deaths are not intentional, and are the bycatch in the longline fishing industry. The seabird proposal was led by Australia and the European Community, and was supported by Japan and the Republic of Korea. Under the newly adopted regulation, all longline vessels fishing for tuna and swordfish in the southern Indian Ocean will be required to use a combination of at least two measures to reduce seabird bycatch.
Links to further information
12th session of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission website
Birdlife press release, 12 June 2008