Reducing seabird bycatch in inshore bottom longline fisheries

Published:  

September 2013
This report investigates methods for reducing net captures of seabirds in the inshore bottom longline fishermen in the Hauraki Gulf.

Summary

Floats commonly found on fishing vessels. Photo: DOC
Floats commonly found on fishing vessels

Seabirds of conservation concern, including the black petrel (Procellaria parkinsoni), are incidentally captured on bottom longline fishing gear deployed in inshore commercial fisheries in northern New Zealand. These fisheries target a variety of fish species, including snapper (Pagrus auratus), bluenose (Hyperoglyphe antarctica), hapuku and bass (Polyprion oxygeneios, P. americanus), and ling (Genypterus blacodes).

Since mandatory mitigation measures aimed at seabird bycatch reduction were introduced in New Zealand inshore bottom longline fisheries in 2008, the uptake and efficacy of these measures has not been investigated across the target fisheries. In addition, the efficacy of any additional or alternative measures that fishers may be deploying has not been assessed.
 
Using government fisheries observer coverage, an investigation into the efficacy of operational practices in use in these fisheries for reducing seabird bycatch risk was carried out. This project also explored potential new measures for reducing seabird captures.

Mitigation measures that significantly reduce seabird captures are available for deployment in commercial bottom longline fisheries. Best practice measures include line-weighting, deployment of streamer lines, and retaining fish waste onboard while gear is in the water.

Publication information

This report was commissioned by the Department of Conservation, Projects MIT2011-03 & MIT2012-01

By J.P. Pierre, D. Goad, F. N. Thompson, & E. R. Abraham

Contact

Conservation Services Programme
Marine Species & Threats
Department of Conservation
PO Box 10 420
Wellington
Email: csp@doc.govt.nz

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