Responding to the evolution of Peru's artisanal longline fleet: characterizing fleet mechanization and introducing weighted swivels - Project 2009-04 Progress Report

Citation
Alfaro-Shigueto J, Mangel JC (2011) Responding to the evolution of Peru’s artisanal longline fleet: characterizing fleet mechanization and introducing weighted swivels - Project 2009-04 Progress Report
Abstract

In early 2010 we conducted site visits in the ports of Chimbote, Callao and Pucusana and requested information from local contacts in those locations regarding longline vessels that had begun to mechanize their fishing operations beyond the methods typically employed by other vessels. The search turned up 7 vessels in the ports of Chimbote (4) and Callao (2) and Pucusana (1). Four of these vessels had one owner, two others were from a relative of this owner and the one remaining belonged to an additional independent owner. Another two vessels are being converted to use mechanized mainline spools, but are not yet operating. Aside from identifying vessels that have transitioned to more mechanized gear we also document the typical steps involved as vessels become more mechanized. This process was detailed in our final report.

From November 2009 to January 2010 we distributed 3750 swivels distributed to 13 vessels in the ports of Salaverry, Chimbote and Ilo. An additional 900 swivels were distributed in July to two vessels, one in Salaverry and one in Chimbote. We have also received requests from an additional 2 owners and operators for 3 vessels in Salaverry that had heard from another boat about the weighted swivels. One boat owner from Chimbote who had received swivels also contacted us to request more. Follow-up communications with those who received weighted swivels were also part of the project and they were apparently well received.

From April 2009 to February 2010, 30 driftnet fishing trips (176 sets) were monitored from the port of Salaverry for seabird interactions and waved albatross abundance and distribution. No WAAL were observed bycaught during the study period. However, one incident of a banded waved albatross entangled in a surface driftnet from Salaverry and released alive was reported to PD staff and the information forwarded to the banding agency. Detailed information on waved albatross abundance, distribution and behaviour around fishing vessels can be found in our final report to ACAP.