A Summary of Albatross Band Recovery Data in the Hawaii Deep and Shallow Set Longline Fisheries

This project is a summary of Hawaii longline fisheries observer program seabird band recovery data collected from January 2002 through December 2013.  The NMFS Pacific Island Regional Office Fisheries Observer Program has been deploying observers on board Hawaii-permitted longline fishing vessels, as part of a mandatory requirement, since February 1994.  Seabirds, most commonly the black-footed and Laysan albatross species, occasionally interact with the observed longline fisheries.  As a part of their regular responsibilities, observers deployed on longline fishing vessels record seabird sightings, document observed fisheries interactions, assist with handling hooked or entangled seabirds, salvage dead seabirds, and report on compliance with all existing fisheries-related regulations (many of which are aimed at mitigating seabird interactions).  Observers also opportunistically record seabird band recovery data.  All banding-related data are  maintained in an ‘in-house’ database and also are submitted to the United States Geological Survey, Patuxent Bird Banding Laboratory, where they are joined with existing banding data provided by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and others, into a centralized bird banding laboratory database.