Best practice seabird bycatch mitigation for pelagic longline fisheries targeting tuna and related species

摘要: Abstract We comprehensively tested combinations of three primary mitigation measures in a pelagic longline fishery with one the highest rates interaction what may be world's most challenging seabird assemblage (dominated by Procellaria genus petrels), aboard fishing vessels typical Asian distant water fleet. Multiple were used to compare performance weighted vs. unweighted branch lines set two bird-scaring – hybrid long and short streamers during daytime nighttime. The weights novel double-weight configuration. Secondary attacks on baits brought surface white-chinned petrels drove albatross mortality. Regardless time day, lines, deployed maintained an aerial extent 100 m, reduced bird factor four, secondary mortality seven, compared little effect fish catch no injuries crew. This combination yielded zero mortalities when gear was at night. conclude that simultaneous use night setting meet our criteria for best-practice bycatch joint-venture fleet targeting tuna related species South African EEZ. To successful, should aligned distance astern baited hooks sink beyond foraging depth dominant this case near 5 m. Given these successful fisheries, they are likely widely applicable fisheries using similar gear.