Hook shielding devices

Introduction

Find out about the seabird-safe practice of using hook shielding devices.

Effect on fish catch

None.

Cost

A hookpod costs between US$10 to US$12. To help calculate ongoing cost, hookpods are lost off the line at around 1% – one in a hundred per use.

hookpod-credit-becky-ingram-390.jpg
Hookpod
Image: Hookpod | ©

Effectiveness

Hookpods reduce seabird captures during line setting by more than 95%.  Scientific proof of this level of effectiveness is high.

How hook shielding devices work

Hook shielding devices cover the sharp barb of the hook to protect seabirds from becoming caught during the line setting operation. Once the hook sinks, the device opens and releases the hook.

Minimum standards to be effective

Before hookpods open, the devices need to:

  • sink more than 10 meters, or
  • be on the line for at least 10 minutes.

The device must also have the same weight used in line weighting.

To remove water from the pressure chamber, shake the hookpod before is closed and stored.

There are two types of hookpods:

  • hookpods with LED has a built in fishing light, and
  • hookpod – mini which is without an LED.

Use matting or carpet to stop tangles

Fishing operators have found that using layers of matting or carpet between the branchlines in the bins helps to keep the hookpods separate and prevents tangling.

Case study

Fourteen New Zealand tuna vessels have switched to using hookpods. Crew have quickly adapted to using them.

Download a factsheet

Hook shielding devices (PDF, 1,153K)