Pretoria: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has announced the adoption of the National Plan of Action II for the Conservation and Management of Seabirds in South African Fisheries (NPOA Seabirds II). The plan, which outlines the country's strategy from 2026 to 2030, aims to further reduce incidental seabird mortality and enhance monitoring, reporting, and adaptive management practices.
According to South African Government News Agency, the plan builds on the 2008 framework using an evidence-based approach informed by updated survey data, fisheries observer records, strandings, and tracking studies. The department emphasized that the plan consolidates current information on the conservation status and the interactions between South African fisheries and seabird species. It also identifies priority areas for targeted action.
The department noted that the plan serves as a comprehensive resource on legislation and policy concerning seabird-fisheries interactions and offers sector-specific insights into current knowledge and mitigation strategies. One of the plan's ambitious targets is to achieve 'zero impact on the sustainability of seabird populations by South African fisheries.'
The plan establishes measurable objectives to reduce bycatch across various gear types, including longline, trawl, purse seine, pole-and-line, and gillnet fisheries. It aims to develop tailored, evidence-based mitigation measures for each fishery and vessel class.
NPOA Seabirds II incorporates updated species-level interaction data and conservation assessments to ensure mitigation measures are proportionate to the level of risk involved. A noteworthy aspect of the plan is its emphasis on formalized cross-sector collaboration. The DFFE Oceans and Coasts division will work alongside industry partners, BirdLife South Africa, the Albatross Task Force, academic institutions, and provincial conservation agencies to co-design mitigation trials, provide skipper and observer training, and share monitoring data through common platforms.
The department stated that joint funding mechanisms and shared governance arrangements have been established to facilitate transparent and adaptive implementation. This integrated approach aims to reduce seabird mortality while maintaining sustainable fisheries and supporting coastal livelihoods.
The plan also focuses on capacity building, targeted public outreach, and alignment with international best practices and agreements. NPOA Seabirds II commits to an iterative review process that will incorporate new evidence and operational feedback, reflecting a science-led, cooperative pathway to protect vulnerable seabird populations without compromising fishing operations.
By fostering shared responsibility, resources, and data, the plan strengthens both conservation and fisheries objectives.