Summary
This study attempts to develop a global dataset of longline fisheries using four years of GPS data from the global longline fleet in order to reduce bycatch of seabirds such as albatross. Results show that over 40 % of the ocean is, at least annually, within 30 km of a set, and this is the distance within which an albatross can detect a vessel. Additionally, the vast majority at sets occur during daylight hours even though setting hooks entirely at night is an effective way to reduce albatross bycatch, and night setting is lower than suggested from on-board observer programs. Furthermore, vessels in albatross habitat regularly set during dawn, which is when albatross bycatch risk is highest.