False killer whale group recommends circle hooks to prevent Hawaii longline fishery snaggings
By Audrey Mcavoy, APTuesday, July 20, 2010
Group has ideas to prevent Hawaii dolphin bycatch
HONOLULU — A federal advisory group says fishermen who use longlines to catch ahi, mahimahi and other fish off Hawaii should use a different kind of hook so they don’t accidentally severely injure or kill a rare dolphin species known as the false killer whale.
The Take Reduction Team says longline fishermen should use a circle hook because dolphins are less likely to get caught on them.
The team also believes the false killer whales would be more likely to wiggle free of circle hooks if they’re accidentally caught with them.
The Take Reduction Team made this and other recommendations Monday after six months of meetings, e-mail and conference calls.
The National Marine Fisheries Service is expected to compile proposed regulations after reviewing the recommendations.
