The CCSBT has established a Working Group on Ecologically Related Species (ERSWG). The CCSBT requires the ERSWG to provide information and advice based on research which:-
- determines the nature and extent of interactions with Ecologically Related Species (ERS) in SBT fisheries;
- determines the affects of SBT and other fisheries on ERS;
- assesses current or potential measures to reduce ERS captures.
Reports of past meetings of the ERSWG can be found here.
The ERSWG also has a role in the development of advice on best practice for educational activities. Education pamphlets on seabirds and sharks have been produced and distributed to SBT fishers since 2003. Technical (mainly taxonomical) aspects of these pamphlets were updated in 2011-13. These are;
- English versions (Seabird (Zip 58.6MB), Shark (Zip 38.4MB))
- Japanese versions (Zip 97.0MB)
- Korean versions (Zip 95.6MB)
- Mandarin versions (Zip 80.9MB)
- Indonesian versions (Zip 95.7MB)
Additionally, a Terms of Reference for a Technical Ecologically Related Species Working Group (ERSTech) were agreed in 2024. The role of the ERSTech is to support the work of the ERSWG by providing advice on topics of a technical nature such as:
- A review of the effectiveness of existing bycatch mitigation measures;
- A review of ERSWG Data Exchange requirements;
- Exercises aimed at quantifying the risk to ERS from SBT fisheries and vice versa;
- Work aimed at improving ERS species identification;
- The development of seabird bycatch targets;
- Technical work to support the identification of high-risk areas;
- Applicability of electronic monitoring in the context of ERS data collection;
- The development of response protocols for high capture events;
- Assessment of new bycatch mitigation measures; and
- The development of ERS research proposals.
