Retrospective analysis identifies largely effective seabird mitigation strategies with some opportunities for improvement

Authors
Van Wert, Jacey C., Robert NM Ahrens, Emily Crigler, T. Todd Jones, Michael Marsik, Lynn Rassel, Emily Reynolds, Yonat Swimmer, and Zachary A. Siders
Year
Journal/Publisher Name
Fisheries Research
Volume (Issue #)
302: 107845
Contact information
J.C. Van Wert:
University of Florida, Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatic Sciences, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program, Gainesville, FL 32653, USA.
0000-0001-7262-9420
jcvanwert@gmail.com
Summary

A retrospective analysis evaluated how mitigation measures in Hawaii (U.S)'s shallow-and deep-set longline fisheries influenced the probability of interaction and disposition (alive v. dead) of Laysan (Phoebastria immutabilis) and black-footed (P. nigripes) albatrosses. Most mitigation measures efficiently reduced seabird bycatch, however, few influenced whether interactions were fatal. In the shallow-set fishery, side-setting and stern-setting proved equally effective. Night-setting is highly effective at reducing interactions, though interaction and mortality rates were much higher during the full moon, when most shallow-set effort occurs. The use of blue-dyed bait and strategic offal/bait discharge were associated with increased interactions. 

 

Field Studies

Retrospective analysis identifies largely effective seabird mitigation strategies with some opportunities for improvement

Study Type
Summary study
Location
Hawaii, United States
Target catch
N/A
Effect on bycatch species
Side setting and stern setting equally effective. Effectiveness of night setting decreases during full moon. Blue-dyed bait and strategic offal/bait discharge increases interactions.
Effect on target catch
N/A
Reduction technique
Fishing Gear