Bycatch Mitigation - 3.6 Transactions with Vessels Implementing Best Practices for Sharks and Sea Turtles | International Seafood Sustainability Foundation

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Bycatch Mitigation – 3.6 Transactions with Vessels Implementing Best Practices for Sharks and Sea Turtles

	3.6 Transactions with Vessels Implementing Best Practices for Sharks and Sea Turtles	Some RFMOs have adopted requirements for the use of certain gear modifications, such as the use of circle hooks and monofilament lines, and/or handling techniques, and/or prohibited the use of “shark lines,” in some longline tuna fisheries, while others have not. ISSF is committed to supporting a transition to the use of such techniques by longline vessels, globally.
Gear Type: Large-Scale Longline Vessels	Adopted: April 25, 2017 Effective: July 1, 2018	To further support the implementation of existing RFMO conservation measures for bycatch mitigation in longline tuna fisheries, and to promote the appropriate use of such techniques by longline fleets globally: Processors, traders, importers, marketers and others involved in the seafood industry shall conduct transactions only with those longline vessels whose owners have a policy requiring the implementation of the following best practices for sharks and marine turtles: (a) the use of circle hooks and only monofilament lines (e.g., the use of wire trace is prohibited); and (b) implementation by the crew of best practice handling techniques such as those outlined in the ISSF Skippers’ Guidebook to Sustainable Longline Fishing Practices; and (c) No use of “shark lines” at any time. For the purposes of this measure, a large-scale longline vessel is defined as a vessel that is equal to or greater than 20m length overall (LOA).