GRANT
NUMBER:
NA47FD0391
NMFS NUMBER: 93-WO-033
REPORT
TITLE: Framework
for Industry Consideration of Incidental Bycatch in Pelagic
Longline Fisheries
AUTHOR:
Hoey,
John J.
PUBLISH
DATE: September
4, 1996
AVAILABLE
FROM:
National Marine Fisheries Service, National Program Office,
F/SF2, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
PHONE: (301) 713-2358
ABSTRACT

The objective
of this project was to provide baseline information to
members of the longline fishing industry to encourage
practical suggestions for operational changes that could
minimize bycatch. Data from over 1,500 U.S. set
records and over 5,400 Japanese set records were analyzed
and summarized by region for catch composition, disposition
characteristics, survival rates, and gear and operational
features. The summary information was provided to fishermen
at workshops conducted under the grant, at the Bycatch
Symposia in Seattle and Rhode Island, and at the Blue
Water Fishermen's Association's annual meeting.
These data allowed fishermen to compare their experiences
against other fishery operations. Active participants
in the pelagic longline fishery were surveyed for their
opinions on practical options to reduce bycatch with minimal
economic impact, and their responses were quantified.
This project established the foundation for industry participation
in the management process for developing mechanisms to
address bycatch issues.