Developments in the use of sliding lead weights in an Australian pelagic longline fishery: voluntary uptake, compliance and methods to minimise lead loss to the environment

There is an increasing voluntary uptake of sliding lead weights in an Australian pelagic longline fishery. Compliance benefits are identified including self-regulation by crew on fishing vessels to ensure the sliding lead weights are correctly positioned on branch lines.
Information is provided on new methods to minimise loss of sliding lead weights to the environment, and to minimise other environmental impacts.
RECOMMENDATION
That SBWG examines ways to dissemination the information presented in this document about sliding lead weights, particularly concerning ways to minimise loss of sliding lead weights to the environment and other environmental impacts, among fishing operators, and fisheries managers.