[audubon-news] New Technology Could Minimize Seabird Deaths in Hawaii Longline Fishery
- From: "BIANCHI, John" <JBIANCHI@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: undisclosed-recipients:;
- Date: Mon, 28 Jul 2003 13:39:17 -0400
Contact: Eric Gilman
808-988-1976
ericgilman@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
NEW TECHNOLOGY MINIMIZES SEABIRD DEATHS
IN HAWAII LONGLINE FISHERY
Cooperative Research Finds Most Promising Ways to Minimize Seabird Bycatch
Honolulu, Hawaii, July 28, 2003 - Today a team comprised of representatives
from the Hawaii Longline Association, National Audubon Society, U.S. Western
Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, U.S. National Marine Fisheries
Service, and an Australian consultant, released the preliminary results of a
unique cooperative research project. Their findings: using a new technology,
longline-fishing vessels can catch tuna and swordfish with minimal risk of
accidentally killing seabirds.
Mortality in longline fisheries is the most critical global threat to certain
seabirds, which get caught on baited hooks and drown. Hundreds of thousands of
birds, including tens of thousands of albatross, are caught annually in
longline fisheries worldwide. Longline mortality is the most significant
component in the declines of several albatross species.
The team's research was conducted on three seabird deterrent methods in Hawaii
longline fisheries. The team assessed each method's effectiveness at avoiding
seabird interactions, practicability, effect on fishing efficiency, cost to
employ, and enforceability. A commercial demonstration was made to prove the
viability of each deterrent. During the trials, one method emerged as the most
promising: "side setting".
Baited hooks are set close to the side of the vessel hull where seabirds are
unable or unwilling to attempt to pursue the hooks. By the time bait reaches
the stern, it has sunk to a depth where seabirds cannot locate it, nor can they
dive deep enough to reach it. This method had the lowest mean seabird contact
and capture rates of the seabird deterrent treatments tested when used with
both Hawaii longline tuna and swordfish gear. Side setting, as opposed to
traditional stern setting, provides a large operational benefit for certain
types of vessels, and was practicable and convenient for use by crew.
In other tests, the underwater setting chute, a promising device designed to
release baited hooks underwater, out of sight and reach of diving seabirds, was
relatively effective at reducing bird interactions but performed inconsistently
and was inconvenient due to design problems: improvements are needed. A third
deterrent -- thawing and dying bait dark blue to attempt to reduce seabirds'
ability to see it - was less effective at avoiding bird interactions: it was
also found to be relatively impractical and does not facilitate effective
enforcement.
"Fixing the global longline seabird mortality problem means not only
identifying the deterrents that nearly eliminate bird deaths, but also making
them practical and convenient, providing fishing crews with an incentive to
employ them consistently and effectively." said Eric Gilman, National Audubon
Society's pacific representative. "Results from this trial significantly
contribute towards this end."
"To successfully abate the problem of albatross mortality in global longline
fisheries, there is a need to mainstream seabird deterrent best practices for
longline fisheries. Side setting combined with adequate line weighting holds
much promise to significantly reduce seabird mortality in both pelagic and
demersal longline fisheries worldwide," said Nigel Brothers, a consultant on
the project team.
"The next step towards mainstreaming best practices is to promote broad
industry trials in Hawaii and abroad. Instituting a formal incentives program
will help encourage the fleet to change longstanding practices and try side
setting," said Jim Cook, of the Hawaii Longline Association. According to Sean
Martin, President of the Hawaii Longline Association, "broad trials must
precede widespread advocacy for longline fleets to side set to confirm several
expectations of the mitigation method's effectiveness and suitability for
fleet-wide use."
The project team will finalize a Project Report by mid-August.
Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat
that supports them. Our national network of community-based nature centers and
chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas
sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages
and backgrounds in positive conservation experiences. Audubon is Partner of
BirdLife International and contributes to the Save the Albatross Campaign.
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