Consideration for tori-line and tori-pole design suitable for small-scale tuna longline vessels in the North Pacific based on experimental results

CMM2015-03 (now replaced by CMM2019-03) requires that in WCPFC Convention waters north of 23N, small tuna longline vessels under 24m in length must use one measure from a list of several bycatch mitigation measures, including tori-lines. The tori-line specifications recommended in these CMM are tentative and require review based on experimental results. Since 2011, we have been continuously collecting information and conducting cruise-based and on-land experiments to verify the tori-line and tori-pole specifications suitable for small Japanese longline vessels. Based on the results of these experiments, effective and practical specifications for tori-line for small vessels in the North Pacific are discussed in this document.