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title: "Read about the Smart Hook in the latest Bycatch Communication Network Newsletter"
---

# Read about the Smart Hook in the latest Bycatch Communication Network Newsletter

  The latest issue (No. 11, Nov-Dec 2008) of the electronic *Bycatch Communication Network Newsletter* (BCNN) has now been published.  The issue contains two articles of interest to the conservation of albatrosses and petrels.

  Hans Jusseit (Ahi Enterprises, Australia) writes (pp. 7-9) on the “Smart Hook”, a new development whereby the longline hook is protected by a shield, held in place by a bio-degradable pin, which dissolves and releases the shield, thus exposing the baited hook at a depth of below 25 m.

  The second article, by Shelly Biswell, [Southern Seabirds Solutions Trust](http://www.southernseabirds.org) , New Zealand reports (pp. 9-10) on the recent [workshop](http://www.southernseabirds.org/n1388,180.html) held in November 2008 by the SSST.  The Workshop received a presentation on the Smart Hook, expected to be on the market by mid-2009, as well as on two other developments to reduce mortality in longline fisheries: the “Cachaloteras” or Chilean Longline System* and the New Zealand -developed Kiwi Longline Setting Tunnel ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=157&Itemid=28) to view a separate ACAP news item on the SSST Workshop).

The BCNN may be received by e-mail on request from its Editor, Emma Bradshaw at [[ejb@bigpond.net.au](mailto:ejb@bigpond.net.au )](mailto:ejb@bigpond.net.auejb@bigpond.net.au) or found by going to the NOAA Fisheries Service web site's Bycatch Feature at [http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/bycatch.htm](http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/bycatch.htm).

*To read a paper on the Chilean Longline System go to [http://www.ccamlr.org/pu/e/e_pubs/cs/Vol-15-2008/04moreno-et-al.pdf](http://www.ccamlr.org/pu/e/e_pubs/cs/Vol-15-2008/04moreno-et-al.pdf).

*John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, posted 8 December 2008*