Fisheries Bycatch Reduction Program Catches On

 A ground-breaking programme to reduce marine turtle and other bycatch among Vietnam’s longline tuna fleet has yielded positive results, providing new optimism for the improved responsibility and future sustainability of these fisheries.

The “Marine turtle bycatch and longline observer programme”, sponsored by WWF Vietnam, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Culimer BV, aims to better monitor tuna longline fishing for the bycatch of marine turtles, sharks and other fish species, and to test the effectiveness of new “Circle Hook” technology to reduce marine turtle bycatch.  The programme is implemented under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

“We are delighted that the recent training and deployment of ten onboard observers has been widely successful”, noted Ms. Nguyen Dieu Thuy of WWF Vietnam.  “After receiving training on observer programme protocols, bycatch species identification and data recording, the observers were able to effectively collect high-quality data.  Moreover, this initial programme has led to new support and enthusiasm among fishermen and government managers to develop a comprehensive and systematic observer programme”, added Ms Thuy. 

The pilot programme also included the first-ever trial of “Circle Hooks” in Vietnam – a type of hook design that can help reduce the bycatch of marine turtles by as much as 80% compared to traditional J-hooks.

“We know through global experiences that Circle Hooks catch far fewer marine turtles than J-hooks, but the initial challenge is whether fishermen accept them or not”, commented Keith Symington, WWF Western Pacific Bycatch Leader.  “The recent trial has confirmed that the tuna catch rate for these hooks is comparable to J hooks, and the feedback from fishermen has been generally very positive”, Mr Symington went on to say.   

Many fishermen commented that the quality of the stainless steel Circle Hooks was very good, and that they “hold bait better than J-hooks”.  One fisherman who used 62% Circle Hooks was particularly happy with his results, saying that he caught more and bigger tuna.  Upon completion of the trial, the fisherman requested more Circle Hooks and agreed to convert to 100% Circle Hooks in the next scheduled trial.

Fishermen were also happy about their experience with de-hookers and line-cutters, tools used to help release caught marine turtles.  According to the observers’ reports, all caught marine turtles were released alive and sent back in to the sea, thanks to the introduced equipment.

“The fact that some fishermen are now willing to use 100% Circle Hooks is extremely significant”, said Mr Martin Brugman, Director of the seafood company Culimer BV, one of the project partners. 

“The first Circle Hook trial has created a basis of information about Circle Hook catch in the Pacific Ocean. We now aim to increase the percentage of Circle Hooks in future trials, including trials directly supported by Culimer as part of its ongoing efforts to facilitate more sustainable longline fishing in Vietnam whilst improving product quality to the highest possible level.”

Following these positive results, the project partners are now planning to scale up the observer programme and Circle Hook trials in the 2010 fishing season, with an increased number of Vietnamese managers and scientists with MARD and Nha Trang Fisheries University.