Long line fishing is a commercial fishing technique that remains controversial due to environmental impacts. Long lining is used to cover large expanses of water and bring in massive hauls of fish. Long line fishermen endure harsh conditions and spend long periods of time at sea. While the work is demanding, the profits are well worth it when the fishing is good.
Long Line Techniques
Long line fishing involves running a long main line, usually between five and 50 miles long, along areas populated by game fish. The main line is usually made of heavy monofilament material. Along the main line, hooks --- sometimes several thousand --- are placed at intervals and baited. The hooks are attached to shorter leaders and spaced evenly along the main line. Leaders, or snoods, must be placed far enough apart so that the lines do not tangle with one another. After the hooks are baited and set, the lines are allowed to soak in the water for six to 18 hours.
Target Species
Two types of long line fishing exist, each designed to catch specific species of fish. Pelagic long lines are set near the surface and target open water fish such as tuna and swordfish. Demersal long lines are set close to the ocean floor and focus on bottom-dwelling species like halibut and cod. Alaskan cod fishermen routinely set lines at depths exceeding 400 fathoms, or 2,400 feet.
By-Catch Concerns
One of the biggest issues surrounding the practice of long line fishing is the unintentional capture of nontarget species. Sea turtles, sharks and dolphins are also attracted to the baited hooks of long line fishermen. Seagoing birds like the black browed albatross often attack baits as they are being set. If the birds are caught by the hook, they often get pulled under the water as the lines sink and drown. Additionally, catches of immature fish that are under the legal size limits are often returned to the ocean with low survival rates.
Conservation Advancements
The invention and implementation of circle hooks has revolutionized the long line fishing industry. Circle hooks are designed to hook fish on the edge of the mouth and rarely become lodged deep in the throat or stomach. This method drastically increases the chances of survival for by-catch as fishermen can simply cut these creatures free with minor injury. Streamer lines drastically reduce sea bird mortality and have been widely accepted by commercial fishermen. Streamer lines are simply ropes with brightly colored streamers attached to them. The ropes are towed behind a long line vessel during the setting process to deter birds from attacking baits. They are extremely effective in reducing sea bird mortality associated with long line fishing.
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