New Zealand is home to the most diverse seabird community in the world, including a large number of albatross and petrel species, many of which are classified as threatened. Surface longline (SLL) is a commercial fishing method that commonly reports interactions with seabirds due to hooks being set at relatively shallow depths and then ‘soaked’ for several hours at a time. Despite regulation of some bycatch mitigation measures since 2011 and a dedicated protected species liaison programme that works to support fishers to implement such mitigation measures, captures in New Zealand's domestic SLL fishery remained stable for many years.
To address the risk that SLL fishing posed to seabirds, Fisheries New Zealand undertook a review of regulated and voluntary seabird mitigation measures in March 2023. The review involved an extensive consultation process, engagement with Māori, input and insight from the Department of Conservation and dedicated workshops with the seafood industry and fishers. The rollout of on-board cameras on SLL vessels in January 2024 also provided new insights on seabird bycatch and mitigation.
In mid-2024, a decision was made to align New Zealand’s SLL mitigation standards with the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) recommended best practice and regulate the use of tori lines, line weighting and night setting at all times - or hook-shielding devices on 100% of hooks. New Zealand is one of the only countries in the world to do this in its own waters. Fisheries New Zealand and the Department of Conservation worked closely with the seafood industry and fishers to support the transition in mitigation requirements, including providing funding support for hook-shielding devices. Since implementation of these strengthened mitigation measures, the SLL fleet has seen a reduction in seabird bycatch, which is able to be verified through digital monitoring.