The culture and practice of longline tuna fishing: implications for seabird by-catch mitigation

Abstract

The development of practical approaches to seabird by-catch reduction in longline tuna fisheries is dependent upon knowledge of fishing practices and the cultural and vocational nuances of fishermen. This overview, drawn from information gathered on Japanese tuna vessels in Australian waters, describes the Japanese method of tuna longlining and lists possible reasons for the reluctance shown by tuna fishermen in the adoption of measures to reduce the incidental take of seabirds. While the focos is on Japan there are reasons to believe that tuna fishing for long periods on the high seas is a culture of its own that transcends nationalities. The acceptance of change in fishing cultures, unless imposed by economic necessity or direct government policy, is slow. The overview also makes some suggestions for future efforts to reduce seabird deaths in longline tuna fisheries.