Summary of incidental mortality associated with fishing activities collected in scientific observer and vessel data during the 2018 season

This paper summarises data collected by Scheme of International Scientific Observation observers, and vessels for incidental interactions between fishing vessels, seabirds and marine mammals during the course of fishing activities during the 2018 season. Incidental mortality numbers for longline fisheries in which seabird mortalities have been reported are presented with the data from observers and vessel supplied data. Based on data received up to 8 October 2018, the extrapolated total of 87 birds killed is the lowest on record.