INTERACTION BETWEEN SEABIRDS AND THE SPANISH SURFACE LONGLINE FISHERY TARGETING SWORDFISH IN THE SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN (SOUTH OF 25ºS) DURING THE PERIOD 2010-2014

• Main Author: Fernández-Costa, J. (José)
• Other Authors: Ramos-Cartelle, A. (Ana), Carroceda, A. (Aránzazu), Mejuto-García, J. (Jaime)
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: Centro Oceanográfico de A Coruña 2016
• Subjects: seabirds; interactions; surface longline; Indian ocean; Indian; Diomedea exulans; South Atlantic Ocean
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10508/11191

A total of 92 sets (132,268 hooks) targeting swordfish between years 2010-2014 in the South Atlantic (Lat ≥ 25ºS) were analyzed. Various baits were used for night setting with monofilament longlines. No interaction with seabirds was detected and the interaction was therefore nil. The night setting, low levels of lighting during fishing operations and the type of fishing conducted were identified as the most important factors to explain the lack of interaction with seabirds. Observations of seabirds were also made during the study. Most sightings occurred during daytime sailing. During some operations when vessels were setting or hauling there were sporadic sightings of the spectacled petrel (Procellaria conspicillata) and the occasional albatross, although no interaction with fishing operations occurred. The species most often seen was the spectacled petrel (Procellaria conspicillata), with groups at over 150 individuals. Other species observed were Calonectris diomedea, various types of storm petrels, and other species such as Hydrobates leucorhous, Thalassarche chlororhynchos, Diomedea exulans and very rarely Thalassarche melanophrys.