NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE, No. 173

10 NOVEMBER 2011

4925

Schedule

Seabird Scaring Device (Streamer line)

Diagram not to scale
Not all specifications illustrated

5 m
5 m
5 m
Vessel
Waterline
---- Streamer line
—— Streamer

(4) 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.

(5) 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. In order to maximise aerial extent, it is necessary to create tension in the streamer line. This can be achieved by:

(a) towing an object on the terminal end of the streamer line; or

(b) towing extra length of streamer line; or

(c) increasing the diameter of the in-water section of the streamer line.

(6) The towed object could be a cone or buoy, a section of heavy rope, or any other object that creates sufficient drag to maintain the streamer line’s aerial extent.

(7) 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 branch-line. 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.

(8) 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.

(9) 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.

(10) In order to comply with the Regulations, a streamer line must be used when setting surface longlines. If the streamer line that is in use breaks or is damaged, it must be repaired or replaced so that it meets these specifications before any further hooks enter the water. For this reason, a complete additional streamer line should be carried as a spare.

9. Revocation

The following notice is revoked:
Fisheries (Seabird Scaring Devices Minimum Standard and Procedures) Notice 2007 (No. F414)*
Dated at Wellington this 26th day of October 2011.

STEPHANIE HILL, Acting Fisheries Manager Highly Migratory and Pelagic, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

*New Zealand Gazette, 15 November 2007, No. 123, page 3237

go7739

Food Act 1981

Notice Under the Food Act 1981 (Notice No. 1766)

Pursuant to section 11G of the Food Act 1981, notice is given of the issue on 31 October 2011 of the New Zealand (Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code) Food Standards 2002, Amendment No. 40 which comes into force on 8 December 2011.

A copy of the notice may be inspected or obtained at the office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Pastoral House, Level 11, 25 The Terrace, Wellington.