In Pursuit of Procella – a Heavy Hook for Pelagic Longlines to Reduce Procellariiforme Bycatch

Alternative seabird mitigation prospects were demonstrated in 2019 by the uptake in New Zealand by several fishers, of hooks purchased with weighted swivels directly attached. This led Humane Society International Australia (HSI) and Southern Seabirds New Zealand (SS) to collaboratively explore options of a purpose-built ‘heavy hook’. Through a process of consultation with various hook manufacturers and supply companies, the most viable heavy hook option Procella evolved and this has now been taken through to the point of factory fabrication, with manufacturing viability and supply established in May 2021. With financial assistance from Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) the initial manufacture of a minimum order quantity is imminent so it is hoped that industry might have the opportunity to evaluate Procella later in 2021.