Updates on the Implementation of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels through Brazil's National Plan of Action

In Brazil, National Plans of Action for the Conservation of Endangered Species (PANs) are critical management and public policy tools established through specific legislation. Coordinated by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), these plans identify and prioritize actions to address threats to species and their habitats. The development and execution of PANs are participatory, involving various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, civil society, the private sector, experts, and individuals vital to conservation. Regular monitoring and evaluations are conducted to ensure the plans are meeting their objectives, with adjustments made as necessary. The National Plan of Action for the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (PLANACAP) is a proactive government measure addressing the main threats faced by these oceanic birds in Brazil, particularly from industrial fisheries. Initiated in 2006, PLANACAP has undergone several planning cycles, each refining its strategies and expanding its scope. In the past decades PLANACAP has made significant strides in enforcing legislation, educating stakeholders, and fostering research. Despite progress, full compliance with mitigation measures remains a challenge, and the suspension of Brazil's National Program for Onboard Observers has hindered data collection and assessment. Looking forward, the fourth cycle of PLANACAP aims to further reduce the mortality of these birds by focusing on four specific objectives: understanding and mitigating fishing interactions, monitoring the impacts of offshore projects, addressing issues related to pathogens, pollution, and climate change, and enhancing public policy and environmental education. A total of 41 strategic actions have been outlined to tackle these threats. This comprehensive approach underscores Brazil’s commitment to the conservation of its endangered species and the ongoing efforts to protect albatrosses and petrels from the myriad of threats they face in national waters.