Criteria to measure performance of the Plan against the objective

It is not anticipated that the objective, including population increases, will be achieved within the lifetime of the Plan. However, considering the limitations highlighted by the assessment of the previous performance criteria, the 2011-2016 Recovery Plan will be deemed successful if positive trends, in terms of achieving the overall objective, can be demonstrated; in particular:

1. the population status and trends of albatrosses and giant petrels breeding under Australian jurisdiction are known, verified and updated and, where possible, the demographic parameters of those trends are known;
2. all Australian fisheries are assessed for their risk of adverse interactions with albatrosses and giant petrels where relevant. Where sufficient risk is present, robust observer / data collection programs are implemented to statistically quantify bycatch rates and best practice mitigation measures are promptly implemented to reduce / eliminate mortality. Where bycatch is occurring in longline fisheries, bycatch rates should be reduced in line with the requirements of the “Threat Abatement Plan for the incidental catch (or bycatch) of seabirds during oceanic longline fishing operations” (the Threat Abatement Plan);
3. all factors adversely influencing the conservation status of albatross and giant petrel populations breeding and foraging within Australian jurisdiction are identified and, where feasible, prevented, minimised or eliminated; and
4. education and support amongst fishers and fisheries management bodies is improved.