Public comment is now being sought on a consultation paper on varying the Threat Abatement Plan 2006 for the incidental catch (or bycatch) of seabirds during oceanic longline fishing operations (Threat Abatement Plan for Seabirds). The three-month public consultation period is open until 31 October 2013.

The proposed variation to the existing plan provides a national strategy to guide activities of government, industry and research organisations in abating the impact of oceanic longline fishing operations on seabirds in Commonwealth fisheries.