21 FEBRUARY 2008

NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE, No. 31

713

Seabird Scaring Device (Streamer line)

Diagram not to scale
Not all specifications illustrated

• Vessel
• Waterline
• 50 m (minimum)
• ----- Streamer line

1. The streamer line needs to protect baited hooks from seabirds. This means that the streamer line should be positioned
   in such a way that streamers are flapping in an unpredictable fashion, above the area in which the baited hooks enter
   the sea, so that seabirds are deterred from attempting to take bait from the hooks. In order to achieve this even during
   cross-winds, it is expected fishers will have to make adjustments to the configuration of the streamer line depending on
   the conditions.

2. It is generally recognised as best practice to maximise the aerial extent of the streamer line, because this maximises the
   area in which the baited hooks are protected from seabirds. Best practice would be to achieve an aerial extent of 100
   metres or more. In order to maximise aerial extent, it is necessary to create tension in the streamer line. This can be
   achieved by:

   • towing an object on the terminal end of the streamer line; or
   • towing extra length of streamer line; or
   • increasing the diameter of the in-water section of the streamer line.

3. In order to be effective at scaring seabirds away from the line of baited hooks, the streamer lines should not become
   tangled, either with each other or with the branchline. Each streamer shall be attached to the streamer line in a manner
   to prevent fouling of individual streamers with the streamer line, and to ensure individual streamers reach the waterline
   in the absence of wind or swell. Swivels or a similar device can be placed in the streamer line in such a way as to
   prevent streamers being twisted around the streamer line. Each streamer may also have a swivel or other device at its
   attachment point to the streamer line to prevent fouling of individual streamers.

4. Streamers are to be spaced at 5-metre intervals along the aerial extent of the line. The total number of streamers in use
   will vary depending on how the line is configured. Streamers that are hanging in the water can be prone to tangling.
   Because the far end of the streamer line will frequently be in the water, fishers may not wish to have streamers the
   whole way down the line. However, it is important that streamers are present to deter birds from taking baited hooks all
   along the part of the line that remains above water, as outlined in the specifications.

5. To ensure streamers are visible to birds, they should stand out against the surroundings. Streamers should be made of
   brightly coloured fluorescent plastic tubing or other material. Bright colours such as red, yellow, orange or pink are
   most effective during day setting. For night setting, the streamers should be of a colour that contrasts with the
   surroundings. Colours such as blue and green are less likely to be effective, because they are less likely to be highly
   visible to birds.

6. A complete additional streamer line should be carried as a spare.

Dated at Wellington this 18th day of February 2008.

HON JIM ANDERTON, Minister of Fisheries.

go1186

Fisheries (Seabird Sustainability Measures—Trawl Vessels Less Than 28m) Notice 2008 (No. F431)

Pursuant to section 11 of the Fisheries Act 1996, the Minister of Fisheries gives the following notice.

Notice

1. Title—This notice is the Fisheries (Seabird Sustainability Measures—Trawl Vessels Less than 28m) Notice 2008.
2. Commencement—This notice shall come into effect on 1 June 2008.
3. Interpretation—In this notice:
   • "hauling" means the period from when the winches are engaged to retrieve the trawl net from fishing depth:
     • (a) to when the trawl net is completely onboard; or
     • (b) when the trawl net is not brought completely onboard, to when shooting next occurs;
   • "offal" means solid fish parts, including heads, guts, frames, tails, tentacles and fish trimmings, or parts thereof including minced parts;