Sea Bird Interaction, Hawai'i,  Cruise 99-02

The CROMWELL departed Honolulu on Feb. 3, to test different methods of protecting sea birds from longline fishing gear. The problem centers around the fact that many sea birds are attracted to the many baited hooks tossed into the water during the longline's deployment. These hooks float on the surface for a short time, before being pulled down by the weighted longline. The birds often attack the bait and sometimes wind up getting hooked and dragged down with the gear.
     Albatrosses have been recognized as regular visitors to longline setting operations. In the Hawaiian area, there live 2 species of Albatross. The Laysan Albatross (white in color) has the largest population and the blackfooted (black in color) is maintaining a smaller but steady population. The North Pacific longliner's problem involves a larger species called the short tailed Albatross (which is sometimes sighted in Hawaiian waters). This species has an estimated population of only 800, and is listed as an endangered species. The short tail as been known to follow the North Pacific longline fleet in their search for black cod and similar fish, and to attack the baits during operations.
     In an attempt to head off the North Pacific longline fleet's operations from being curtailed or halted through the Endangered Species Act, the CROMWELL and her crew are planning to set longline 800 Nautical Miles, northwest of Honolulu, in an area known to be frequented by Laysan and blackfooted Albatross (similar birds but not endangered). We plan to test different gear setting procedures and their effectiveness at protecting the birds from harm. Instead of hooks, our longline will use large "safety pins" so there is little risk of the birds getting caught and dragged down with the line.