Large-scale experiment shows that nylon leaders reduce shark bycatch and benefit pelagic longline fisheries

Authors
Ward, P., Lawrence, E., Darbyshire, R. and Hindmarsh, S.
Year
Journal/Publisher Name
Fisheries Research
Volume (Issue #)
90
Page #s
100-108
Contact information
peter.ward@brs.gov.au, peteward@homemale.com.au
+612 6272 4163
Summary
Catch rates of blue marlin, snake mackerel and sharks were lower when nylon monofilament leaders, instead of wire leaders, were used on pelagic longline gear but bigeye tuna and black marlin catch rates increased. (No effect on yellowfin). Nylon leaders also had higher bite-off rates than the wire leaders.