The Chilean National Plan of Action Seabirds states that bird-scaring lines must be used on all pelagic longline sets. However, despite good seabird conservation regulations for this fleet, many vessels still don’t use this mitigation measure.
The Albatross Task Force has been working in collaboration with the Chilean Fishery Development Institute (Instituto Fomento Pesquero, IFOP) since 2007 to test mitigation measures and train IFOP observers in seabird data collection protocols, mitigation measure design and seabird identification.
IFOP observers have been actively recording seabird bycatch for several years now and are taking action to save the albatross by implementing bird-scaring lines. Luis Diaz, IFOP scientific observer, is a perfect example of how a motivated individual can make a difference. Luis has worked to modify and deploy bird-scaring lines in the pelagic fleet which targets swordfish off the coast of Chile.
This fleet catches very few albatrosses, due in part to the fact that the large factory ships which were responsible for the majority of seabird bycatch are not fishing anymore. However, should they return the implementation of bird-scaring lines will be invaluable in preventing seabird bycatch in this fishery.
Below: Setting gear at night and using a bird-scaring line prevents seabird bycatch. Photo: Luis Diaz, IFOP