Large-scale experiment shows that nylon leaders reduce shark bycatch and benefit pelagic longline fisheries

Location
Northeastern Australia
Article
Large-scale experiment shows that nylon leaders reduce shark bycatch and benefit pelagic longline fisheries
Target catch
Primarily bigeye and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus obesus, Thunnus albacares)
Study Type
Field study in the wild
Effect on target catch
Catch of bigeye tuna increased using nylon monofilament, no impact on yellowfin tuna
Effect on bycatch species
Catch rates of sharks were lower using nylon monofilament leaders compared to wire
Bycatch species
Elasmobranchs
Sharks
Fishing Gear
Hooks and Lines
Reduction technique
Alternative leader design