Seabird mitigation measures 2023

DECISION: PENDING

Introduction

On 27 March 2023 Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) issued a discussion paper proposing four possible options for seabird mitigation measures for commercial surface longlining fishers.

Surface longline fishing has high seabird interactions, a consequence of fishing close to the surface of the water.

In the 2021/2022 fishing year around 1.2 million hooks were deployed and around 210 seabirds captures were reported due to surface longline.

In 2022, a review of the Mitigation Standards identified low uptake of key mitigation measures – namely the use of ‘three out of three’ measures, hook-shielding devices, and discharge management during hauling.

Using the ‘three out of three’ mitigation measures is the current best practice, but is seldom used by commercial fishers. Fisheries New Zealand is now seeking feedback on incorporating additional measures for surface longliners to prevent seabird capture.

Submissions were due with FNZ by 28 April 2023. On 26 April FNZ advised the submission deadline had been extended until 12 May, 2023.

Submission

During April and May 2023, the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council worked with LegaSea, the New Zealand Angling & Casting Association, and New Zealand Underwater Association to develop a submission.

The joint submission was sent to FNZ on 12 May 2023.

We recommended the Minister mandate the use of ‘three out of three’ measures, or hook-shielding devices, on all Surface longline (SLL) vessels in all areas, at all times. Research shows the combined use of the three mitigation measures (specifically night setting, tori lines, and line weighting) effectively reduces seabird capture.

Relevant information

2023

Submission

Proposal

2019

Gazette notice