3 APRIL 2008

NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE, No. 69

1911

(2) The Schedule is not part of the specifications.

(3) If there is any inconsistency between the guidelines in the Schedule and the specifications, the specifications prevail.

Seabird Scaring Device (Streamer line)

Diagram not to scale
Not all specifications illustrated

• • • • • • • • Streamer line
                --------------- Streamer

(i) 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.

(ii) 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.

(iii) 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.

(iv) 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.

(v) 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.

(vi) A complete additional streamer line should be carried as a spare.

(vii) When externally weighted gear is used, it is not necessary for all the weight specified to be applied at 60-metre intervals along the hook-bearing line. It is equally permissible for multiple weights of smaller sizes to be attached to the hook-bearing line at shorter intervals, as long as the total weight attached along every 60 metres of hook-bearing line meets the requirement. For example, under clause 8(1)(a) of this notice, 4 kilograms of metal weight is required for every 60 metres of line. It is permissible to attach the following combinations, or any other variation that totals 4 kilograms:

• one 4 kilogram metal weight every 60 metres along the hook bearing line; or
• one 2 kilogram metal weight every 30 metres along the hook bearing line; or
• one 1 kilogram metal weight every 15 metres along the hook-bearing line.

Dated at Wellington this 20th day of March 2008.

HON JIM ANDERTON, Minister of Fisheries.

New Zealand Gazette, 21 February 2008, No. 31, page 712