Gear modification
Alternative bait simply refers to switching bait-type/species, aiming to deter non-target animals that are attracted to a certain type of bait.
Fine-tuning an artificial bait to the specific sensory capabilities of the target species (i.e. knowing whether they predominantly use their vision or sense of smell etc to find food) can reduce bycatch of unwanted non-target species.
Gear device
Bait casting machines (BCMs) are hydraulically operated devices that propel hooks off the back of pelagic longline boats as lines are being set. They help to cast baited hooks in the desired direction.
Simply by positioning the hook in either the head (of a fish) or tail (of a fish or squid) of the bait increases its sink rate, so it more quickly descends through the water column, out of the reach of diving seabirds.
Bait size and condition encompasses the size, species and hooking position of baits used in hook and line fisheries, as well as its status (alive vs dead, thawed vs frozen).
Bird-scaring lines (also known as streamer lines or tori lines) are towed from the stern of the vessel, over the area where the baited hooks are deployed.
A branchline hauler, otherwise known as a snood hauler, is a mechanical device used to accelerate the process of hauling branchlines in longline pelagic fisheries.
Also known more generally as a Bird Exclusion Device, a brickle curtain forms a physical barrier around the hauling area. This prevents seabirds from getting entangled or injured by baited hooks.
Marine animals detect chemical signals in their environments, using their peripheral sensory systems. Certain chemical compounds have been studied as a bycatch mitigation technique in longline and purse seine fisheries.
Explore the Bycatch Mitigation Hub to find possible measures to reduce bycatch
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