The presence of seabird-safe measures (except night setting) can be checked when a vessel is in port and able to be boarded.
As well, the materials, and design specifications of line weights and bird-scaring lines can be checked. However, it is not possible to check whether the measures are used or not during fishing, and in the case of bird-scaring lines, whether they are being used correctly.
Some indication of whether the bird-scaring line is used can be checked from its condition and where it is stored.
Port access, health and safety
There will be a range of necessary permissions and procedures to gain access to the vessel. These may vary by port.
Useful equipment
Measuring tape, scales, camera.
What to check
Bird-scaring lines
- Presence of an adjustable tori pole with an angle that holds the BSL to the side of the vessel so steamers hang over the baited hooks
- Height of the bird-scaring line attachment point above the waterline
- Length of the bird-scaring line
- Number of streamers, length of longest streamer, spacing, and streamer material
- Presence of an in-water drag section, including materials
- Presence of spare bird-scaring line materials on board
Line weighting
- Type of weight (lead swivel, weighted hook, sliding weight, double weight)
- Mass of weight closest to hook
- Distance between the hook and the weight
- Proportion of branchlines with weights
- Presence of spare weights on board
Hook-shielding device (Hookpod)
- Name of manufacturer
- Presence of hook-shielding devices on all branchlines
- Spare hook-shielding devices on board
Underwater bait setter
- Name of manufacturer
- Maintenance record
- Data collected by control unit for use and depth settings
Next steps: Learn about other verification methods
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