Proof of concept experiment to demonstrate the efficacy of the ‘Smart Tuna Hook’ | Bycatch Management Information System (BMIS)

Citation

Baker GB, Candy SG (2014) Proof of concept experiment to demonstrate the efficacy of the ‘Smart Tuna Hook.’ A Report Prepared for AHI Enterprises by Latitude 42:

Abstract

In 2013 Latitude 42 Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd were engaged by AHI Enterprises to conduct
an at sea trial/experiment setting Smart Tuna Hooks and shields to demonstrate the efficacy of this
measure in reducing seabird bycatch whilst maintaining catch of target species. The experimental
work was conducted on pelagic longline vessels targeting tuna and swordfish out of Cape Town,
South Africa during the Austral spring of 2014. In this paper we report on this experiment and the
effectiveness of the Smart Tuna Hook in mitigating capture of seabirds while maintaining or
improving capture of target species.