Proposal for trials to test modified longline gear as a means to reduce cetacean depredation and mitigate incidental bird catch

The UK undertook preliminary trials of the previously described “cone” or “bottle” longline configuration for mitigating cetacean interactions in 2006. This paper should be read in conjunction with the observer’s report of that cruise (Basson 2006). Initial results were promising, and the UK intends to proceed with further, more extensive trials, in the 2007/08 fishing season in Subarea 48.3. Although seabird interactions are expected to be minimal, the trials will stop if 3 seabirds are caught, and sink tests will be undertaken. Although we intend to change gear configurations as described all other conservation measures will apply.