The ATF in Brazil, in collaboration with the local host organisation Projeto Albatroz, has been conducting Hook Pod experimental trials in the pelagic longline fishery.
The Hook Pod is an innovative mitigation measure that protects the barb of the hook during setting operations. Once the hook has sank down to a depth of 10 m, beyond the reach of albatross, a pressure sensitive mechanism is triggered, opening the pod and releasing the hook.
As part of this work I recently travelled to Rio Grande, in the far south of Brazil, where one of the vessels that had agreed to perform the tests was taking on supplies and landing their most recent catch of tuna and swordfish. The vessel is called the Sérvulo Yo (the name of the captains’ father) and has a crew of eight.
Below: The Sérvulo I coming in to port
I spent a few days with my ATF companion Dimas Gianuca discussing the experiments with the captain and developing the fishing strategy that would be required to ensure the experiment is performed under conditions that allow us to compare lines set with Hook Pods against standard fishing gear. Once all the details were agreed, we started preparing the fishing lines that would hold the Hook Pods and stow them in the hook bins ready for setting.
We spent the whole day in the port from nine o’clock in the morning until almost midnight. It rained all day and despite the weather the crew and at times large groups of interested observers gathered to watch our work at the dock. They all had the same questions: “What are you doing? What is that you are putting on the fishing lines?”
Below: Fabiano and captain Celso discussing the experiment
We explained carefully that the Hook Pod is a mitigation measure and discussed how the innovative mechanism works and how that is designed to prevent seabird bycatch. As we finished with the construction of the fishing lines, we left port to grab something to eat and prepare our personal gear ready for the trip.
At nine o'clock the following morning we cast off the mooring lines and headed out to sea. These trials form part of important research to determine the efficiency of mitigation measures for pelagic longline fisheries. We will keep you informed of our progress!