© Tilen Genov, Morigenos

The Joint Bycatch Working Group (JBWG) of ACCOBAMS and ASCOBANS was established in 2019.  The first meeting was originally planned for 2020, but due to the ongoing pandemic it was postponed, and will now be held online from 10 to 12 February 2021.  Terms of Reference of the working group can be found here.

Deadline for registrations via this online form is 1 February 2021.  Kindly note that the meeting link will only be sent to registered participants.

National and regional fisheries representatives and other interested stakeholders are welcome to attend as observers on Day 1 and Day 2. 

Meeting documents will be uploaded below as they become available.  Provisional schedule:

10 February 10:00-15:00 CET

 1.    Welcome

2.    Adoption of the Agenda

3.    Overview of the bycatch situation in the ACCOBAMS and ASCOBANS Areas

4.    Review of relevant provisions related to bycatch and other relevant regional instruments 

5.    Review of approaches to bycatch monitoring and mitigation measures

• Case studies in ACCOBAMS Area

11 February 10:00-16:00 CET

 5.    Review of approaches to bycatch monitoring and mitigation measures (continued)

• Case studies in ACCOBAMS Area 
• Case studies in ASCOBANS Area

6.    Summary of lessons learned and recommendations

12 February 10:00-14:00 CET (dedicated to the WG only)

7.    Programme of Work of the Joint Bycatch Working Group 2021-2022

8.    AOB

9.    Close of the meeting