Line cutter for use when releasing large marine organisms caught on longline gear

Citation
Bergmann C, Barbour J, LaForce L, Driggers III WB (2016) Line cutter for use when releasing large marine organisms caught on longline gear. Fisheries Research 177:124–127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2016.01.018
Abstract

Releasing large marine organisms captured on longline gear can often be difficult due to problems associated with the use of conventional line cutters. For example, struggling animals can remain below the water’s surface for extended periods, thus providing limited access to the end of the leader nearest the hook. We describe a new line cutter design that outperforms conventional designs. The line cutter described herein can be deployed by a single individual and severs leader material in close proximity to the location of hooks while negating the need to bring the captured organism to the surface. The use of the line cutter reduces stress and potential injury to captured animals, is easily and inexpensively constructed, and has applications beyond its intended use, such as freeing lines snagged or entangled under vessels.