Performance Assessment of Underwater Setting Chutes, Side Setting, and Blue-Dyed Bait to Minimize Seabird Mortality in Hawaii Longline Tuna and Swordfish Fisheries

Mortality in longline fisheries is one of the most critical global threats to seabirds. Underwater setting technology may offer a practicable solution in some longline fisheries. Results from a research experiment and commercial demonstration of an underwater setting chute in the Hawaii pelagic longline tuna fishery indicate that the chute is effective at avoiding the incidental capture of seabirds and practicable for use by vessel crew. The chute demonstrated potential to significantly reduce seabird mortality and increase fishing efficiency, and required minimal effort to install and employ.