Seabird catch rates: An assessment of causes and solutions in Australia's domestic tuna longline fishery

Abstract

Observers aboard Australian longline vessels recorded seabirds hooked on six out of 16 shots in waters off south-eastern Australia. The mean catch rate was 0.92 birds per 1000 hooks, or 0.58 birds per 1000 hooks if only those birds confirmed killed are included. Features of fishing equipment and technique believed to be responsible for birds being hooked are described, and modifications to fishing practice which will decrease bait loss and seabird mortality discussed.