Effect on fish catch
None.
Cost
A hookpod costs between US$10 to US$12. To help calculate ongoing cost, hookpods are lost off the line at around 1% – one in a hundred per use.
Hookpod
Image: Hookpod | ©
Effectiveness
Hookpods reduce seabird captures during line setting by more than 95%. Scientific proof of this level of effectiveness is high.
How hook shielding devices work
Hook shielding devices cover the sharp barb of the hook to protect seabirds from becoming caught during the line setting operation. Once the hook sinks, the device opens and releases the hook.
Recommended minimum specifications
Before opening, the devices need to:
- sink more than 10 meters, or
- be on the line for at least 10 minutes.
The device must also have the same weight used in line weighting.
To remove water from the pressure chamber, shake the hookpod before it is closed and stored.
There are two types of hookpods:
- hookpods with LED has a built in fishing light, and
- hookpod – mini which is without an LED.
Use matting or carpet to stop tangles
Fishing operators have found that using layers of matting or carpet between the branchlines in the bins helps to keep the hookpods separate and prevents tangling.
Case study
Fourteen New Zealand tuna vessels have switched to using hookpods. Crew have quickly adapted to using them.