Bycatch Mitigation Fact Sheet 12 (May 2013) Demersal and Pelagic Longline: Haul mitigation

Seabirds are attracted to longliners during hauling to feed on discards, offal and spent bait. Birds can easily become hooked, in the bill, foot or wing, as the line returns to the surface or swallow hooks left in discards or bait. These interactions are rarely lethal at the time but the injuries sustained could have serious implications for the long-term survival of the individuals concerned.