Reducing incidental mortality of seabirds with an underwater longline setting funnel

Authors
Ryan, P.G. and B.P. Watkins
Year
Journal/Publisher Name
Biological Conservation
Volume (Issue #)
104(1)
Page #s
127-131
Contact information
pryan@botzoo.uct.ac.za
Summary

An underwater setting funnel, used in conjunction with a bird-scaring line, reduced bycatch of albatross and petrel seabirds in the demersal longline fishery for Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) off of the sub-Antarctic South African Prince Edward Islands. Although catch was not compared between sets with and without the funnel, it is predicted fish catch would improve with the use of the funnels as fishing would be permitted during the day in addition to current nighttime fishing.

Field Studies

Reducing incidental mortality of seabirds with an underwater longline setting funnel

Study Type
Field study in the wild
Location
Prince Edward Islands, South Africa
Target catch
Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides)
Effect on bycatch species
Underwater setting reduced seabird bycatch
Effect on target catch
N/A
Reduction technique
Fishing Gear