Improving and documenting seabird bycatch mitigation practices in the North Eastern New Zealand longline fishery
Published:
July 2015Download the publication
Weights for a snapper surface longline vessel to increase sink rate and reduce availability of baited hooks to seabirds
Summary
To effectively reduce the risk of interactions with seabirds it is important for vessels to take the latest developments in mitigation technology and be able to adapt them to their specific operations. Translating the latest scientific research and fishing regulations into operational parameters is not always a straight forward process.
Equally an adequate working understanding of seabird biology, taxonomy and behaviour assist in understanding the risk posed in each area and season. By employing liaison officers who have operational experience in fishing fleets along with an understanding of best practice mitigation and seabird characteristics it is possible to spread information over the fishing fleet in a collaborative and practical manner.
Liaison officers to travelled to key ports before, during and immediately after high risk months in order to share information on seabird behaviour and mitigation options. This report summarises the work of the liaison officers during the 2014/15 summer season.
Publication information
Goad, D., and Williamson, J. 2015. Improving and documenting seabird bycatch mitigation practices in the North Eastern New Zealand longline fishery. Report prepared by Vita Maris for the New Zealand Department of Conservation, Wellington. 28p.
Contact
Conservation Services Programme
Department of Conservation
PO Box 10-420
Wellington 6143
Email: csp@doc.govt.nz