Handling and Release
Longline Guidebook
- Table of Contents
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter Objectives
- Section 1: Sea Turtles
- Sea Turtle Identification
- Mitigating Turtle Bycatch
- Other Mitigation Methods
- Best Practices Infographic
- Examples of Hooked Turtles
- Dehooking or Untangling a Turtle
- Tools for Turtle Handling
- Dehooking or Untangling Techniques in Water
- Dehooking or Untangling Techniques on Board
- Turtle Recovery and Release
- Section 2: Seabirds
- Commonly Encountered Seabirds
- Identifying Seabirds
- Seabird Species
- Seabird Bycatch Mitigation Measures
- Bird-Scaring Lines
- Night Setting
- Weighted Branch Lines
- Line Weighting Smart Gear Prize
- Hook Shielding and Bait Setting Devices
- Other Measures
- Handling and Release
- Hook Removal and Seabird Recovery
- Seabird Interactions and Best Practices
- Section 3: Sharks
- Commonly Encountered Sharks
- Shark Bycatch and RFMOs
- Shark Bycatch Mitigation Measures
- Shark Anatomy, Handling, and Release
- Releasing Sharks Caught in Pelagic Longline Fisheries
- Proper Handling of Sharks
- Incorrect Shark Handling and Release
- Final Notes
- Chapter 3
- Chapter Objectives
- International Organizations and Instruments
- Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission
- Western And Central Pacific Fisheries Commission
- International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas
- Indian Ocean Tuna Commission
- Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna
- Further Notes on Data Reporting and Compliance
- Conclusion
- Feedback Form
- Copyright
Most seabirds are caught during line setting, and are therefore dead by the time gear is hauled. However, if you discover a live seabird on the line, release the tension on your mainline by slowing your vessel to a stop. Ease the bird to the side of the vessel by steadily bringing in the line. Do not make sudden jerks. It is recommended to carry out and use a long-handled dip net to bring the bird on board.
Seabirds can be quite large and will bite, so gloves, eye protection, long sleeves and the help of a crewmember are all useful to have. The following are helpful tips for the correct way to hold a bird:
- Hold it behind the head at the top of its neck
- Fold the feathers and wings back into their natural position against the body
- Do not accidentally restrict its breathing by covering its nostrils or squeezing the body too tightly
- Cover its body with a clean towel (without any sign of oil or petrol) to protect the bird’s feathers from oils and other things that could damage it during handling
Seabird Dehooking
A video about seabird dehooking is available on YouTube at http://youtu.be/eLK1BPV_Wic.
Or check ACAP Guidelines on how to dehook a bird at https://www.acap.aq/bycatch-mitigation/hook-removal-from-seabirds-guide