SEABIRD BY-CATCH AND BAIT LOSS IN LONG-LINING USING DIFFERENT SETTINGMETHODS

Seabirds taking baits during long-line setting occasionally become cau ght and are killed, while the associated bait loss may have serious im pact on long-lining efficiency and profitability. Two different settin g methods were tested as a solution to this problem in the autoline fi shery in the north Atlantic; lines were set either through a set-ring funnel that guided the bailed line beneath the sea surface or a seabir d scaring device was used. Bait loss and the catches of target species and seabirds were compared with and without such methods. Accidental catches of birds were reduced by both methods, most effectively by the seabird scarer. Losses of mackerel bail were also significantly reduc ed by using the scarer, but not by using the setting funnel. No increa se in the catches of target species was demonstrated by using either o f the setting methods. However, bait loss caused by seabirds was regar ded as a minor problem in this fishing experiment. Suggestions on how to improve the efficiency of the two methods tested are discussed, and a combination of these methods is proposed as a method to reduce grea tly the incidental capture of seabirds in the autoline fishery in the north Atlantic.