After it is ratified by the full FAO, it will go into effect. To assess this impact, fishing vessels must carry observers specifically to collect data on seabird bycatch. Currently, observers on fishing vessels have too many other duties to spend time observing seabird bycatch. Funding is needed for development of bird avoidance techniques, observer training programs, and data analysis. Effective low cost measures that will not be an economic hardship for fishermen should be developed.
Seabirds see the bait near the surface as lines are deployed.
The birds dive on the bait, becoming hooked or stealing the bait. Tens of thousands are hooked and die each year. There are over 4,000 ground fish vessels fishing the waters around Alaska. Hawaii had fewer than 10 commercial fishing vessels in its waters prior to 1990 and now has over 140. In the southern oceans an estimated 500-100 million hooks are set annually.