Archived News

The Bycatch Mitigation Information System (BMIS) is operated by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) as a resource for fisheries managers, scientists, fishers and the general public.  The database is a central repository of information on the mitigation and management of bycatch (including of seabirds) in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO).

“As used in the BMIS, "bycatch" mainly refers to those species of special interest, such as seabirds, sharks and marine turtles which are incidentally caught in WCPO fisheries targeting highly migratory species, including tuna and billfish.  Much of the information in the BMIS is relevant to bycatch mitigation in similar oceanic fisheries around the world.”

The BMIS web interface has now been upgraded by the WCPFC with a new web address.

The BMIS includes references (scientific and technical literature); technical mitigation methods; decisions by WCPFC and other management bodies; and a list of target and bycatch species.

Both Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses are at risk to fisheries in the Pacific

Photograph by Eric Vanderwerf

Click here for an earlier news item in ACAP Latest News on the BMIS.  See also Information Paper 5 presented to the Seventh Meeting of ACAP’s Advisory Committee in 2013 on how the BMIC can support ACAP’s work.

With thanks to Larissa Fitzsimmons, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Noumea, New Caledonia for information.

John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 20 November 2013