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title: "Korea to support bycatch research on its tuna longliners to protect albatrosses"
---

# Korea to support bycatch research on its tuna longliners to protect albatrosses

BirdLife International through its [Global Seabird Programme](http://www.birdlife.org/action/science/species/seabirds/index.html) is to join with the Republic of Korea and a Korean tuna fishing company to conduct experimental research on a Korean tuna longliner into mitigating seabird bycatch more effectively.

 In 2012 the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission ([IOTC](http://www.iotc.org)) passed a resolution that required longliners operating in areas south of 25°S to adopt the three “best-practice” mitigation measures of setting lines at night, using a bird-scaring line and  adding weights to increase sink rate ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php/en/news/news-archive/57-2012-news-archive/99-getting-into-line-the-indian-ocean-tuna-commission-adopts-best-practice-mitigation-measures-for-albatrosses-and-petrels)).

 Followng  [IOTC Resolution 12-06 on Reducing the Incidental Bycatch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries](http://www.iotc.org/files/CMM/IOTC%20-%20Collection%20of%20ACTIVE%20CMMs%2020%20June%202012.pdf), the Korean authority has started sea trials to ensure the safety and practicality of these measures along with Sajo Industries, one of Korea’s leading tuna longline industries.  Leandro Tamini of BirdLife’s [Albatross Task Force](http://www.rspb.org.uk/supporting/campaigns/albatross/) is due to board a [Sajo Industry](http://www.fis.com/fis/companies/details.asp?l=e&company_id=48048) tuna longliner in the southern Indian Ocean to commence at-sea trials this month.  It is intended that results of the trials, which will include the use of [“safe leads”](https://www.acap.aq/index.php/en/news/news-archive/57-2012-news-archive/1242-qsafe-leads-for-safe-headsq-adoption-of-safer-line-weights-for-pelagic-longline-fisheries-should-help-acap-listed-albatrosses-and-petrels), will be presented to the n[ext meeting](http://www.iotc.org/English/meetings.php) of the IOTC Scientific Committee.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Fishing_Gear/safe_leads_acap_by_graham_robertson.jpg) 

 Safe leads reduce injury risk to fishers.  Photograph by Graham Robertson

 [Click here](http://www.birdlife.org.za/images/stories/Media%20releases%202012/Korea_joins_BirdLife_to_save_albatrosses.pdf)to read more on this initiative.

 **Selected Reference:**

 Sullivan, B.J., Kibel, P., Robertson, G., Kibel, B., Goren, M., Candy, S.G. & Wienecke, B. 2012.  Safe Leads for safe heads: safer line weights for pelagic longline fisheries.  [*Fisheries* *Research*134-136: 125-132](http://www.fishtekmarine.com/pdf/Safe%20Leads%20for%20Safe%20Heads.pdf). 

 John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer 19 July 2013