Management measures to implement new technologies for the Western Pacific Pelagic Longline Fisheries

Protected areas - Oceania - Pacific

Environment - Protection - Samoa

This document considers management measures for the longline fisheries managed under the Pelagics Fishery Management Plan of the Western Pacific Region, with the objective of achieving optimum yields from these fisheries without being likely to jeopardize the continued existence of sea turtles or other endangered species. The range of alternatives includes time/area closures, as well as the implementation of a limited model shallow-set swordfishery using circle hooks with mackerel bait which in combination have been found to reduce interactions with leatherback and loggerhead turtles by 67% and 92% respectively in the U.S. Atlantic longline fishery. In addition, the document considers conservation actions to improve seat turtles recruitment, and thus offset any potential harm the fisheries could still pose to sea turtles. Public comments on this document must be received by February 23, 2004.

Protected areas - Management