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For commercial fishermen using surface longlines, the rules have changed.
photo: 123 RF
A conservation group says changes to commercial fishing are a win for seabirds.
From October 1, commercial fishermen will Two options for continuing to use surface longline fishing – They will have to use special hook guards or a combination of three measures: bird repellents, adding weight to the line to make the hook sink faster, and setting the gear at night.
The new rules are designed to protect endangered albatrosses and other seabirds from accidental capture. Existing rules require only two seabird protection measures.
WWF New Zealand said this was good news and would significantly reduce the risk of endangered seabirds being accidentally caught in fishing nets.
“What’s really important is that we continue with the onboard camera program,” spokeswoman Caitlin Owens told Radio New Zealand.
“Obviously, this gives us an idea of the scale of the problem and the threats facing wildlife, and we really need to be able to use this data to inform future fisheries management decisions.”
Scientific modeling, camera program review and public feedback led to the rule change.
“This will significantly reduce one of the biggest threats they face, which is accidental capture in fishing nets,” Owens said.
“This is something we have been pushing for a long time and we are very pleased that the government has listened to the international evidence.”
The New Zealand Department of Conservation and Fisheries (part of the Ministry for Primary Industries) will help fishermen adjust to the new rules.
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