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
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 fish rates were 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.