Effectiveness

A BSL can reduce reduce seabird captures by 40% to 80% and scientific proof of this level of effectiveness is high. Effectiveness depends on the types of seabirds in the area, and whether the BSL is designed and used correctly.

Tori pole

A tori pole holds the bird scaring line above the baited hooks and prevents tangles with the fishing line.

No tori pole means the bird scaring line will not protect the baited hooks and can tangle with the fishing line.

Connection of the line to the tori pole. If the bird scaring line tangles with the fishing line, the weak section of rope breaks, and fishing is not interrupted.

Bird scaring line length

The bird scaring line has one section that is in the air (aerial) and the other is in the water (drag). The diagram shows two options for the drag section. For the aerial section, a braided (plaited) line prevents the line twisting.

Aerial section

Important measurements for the aerial section of the bird scaring line:

• height above water
• distance to the first long streamer, and
• distance between long and short streamers.

Long streamers

Long streamers are flexible, ultra-violet (UV) protected, bright orange tubing. At least nineteen streamers are needed. The streamers reach the water.

Flexible tubing is used for long streamers. The long streamers are attached to the line with a double eye swivel so they don’t tangle with the line.

Short streamers

Short streamers make the bird scaring line easier for seabirds to see. They can be made of rubber tubing or packing straps.

Short streamer made of packing strap.

In water section (drag section)

Two ways to create drag are shown. The first way is to use non-twisting braided rope such as 10 mm polyester or nylon. This type of rope stops the line spinning and tangling the streamers. Attach rubber tubing or plastic straps to the rope.

Plastic straps attached to the drag rope.

The second way is to use heavy mooring rope to create drag. Cones can be added to add drag as well.