Longline Bycatch Mitigation

Bycatch in longline fisheries can be mitigated by altering any number of fishing factors, including where and when lines are set, the type of bait, and shape of the hook.   For instance, interactions with marine mammals can be lowered by not fishing near certain oceanographic features, such as the continental shelf. Seabirds can be discouraged from feeding on bait by using dyed bait and attaching streamers to lines. Turtle mortality can be reduced by using circle hooks, which are less likely to cause internal damage.

Longline Bycatch Mitigation Links:

• World Wildlife Fund – Smart Gear Competition
• Summary of International Projects by NOAA-NMFS: Sea Turtle Bycatch Reduction in Longlines
• CCAMLR (Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources)
• Reducing incidental effects of longline fishing in the Antartic
• Sea Grant Washington publications (several about reducing seabird bycatch in longline fisheries)
• Report on Reducing Sea Turtle Bycatch in Pelagic Longline Gear

Have other longline bycatch mitigation links?  Please let us know!  You can add a discussion note below or contact us.  Thanks!