September 19, 2019 — A new type of fishing gear designed to catch swordfish while reducing harm to other animals received approval from fishery regulators Monday.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council authorized initial use of deep-set buoy gear, which minimizes catch of non-target species, including marine mammals and sea turtles. At its September meeting in Boise, Idaho, the council voted to issue 50 permits for the new gear, and to add up to 25 additional permits per year after that, up to a maximum of 300 total permits.
Most swordfish off the California coast are currently caught at night, using mile-long, large-mesh drift gillnets, which are set overnight, and often ensnare other fish species, sharks, sea lions, dolphins and whales.
The new, deep-set buoy method using lines allows fishermen to drop hooks into deeper waters where swordfish forage during the day, catching the prized fish without ensnaring other animals. Because the swordfish are retrieved more quickly, the catch is fresher and commands higher prices at market, proponents say.