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Intensive introduction to longline fishing on Niue

Sea safety, rigging fishing gear, setting and hauling longline gear, and on-board handling of the catch were among the topics covered at a longline fishing workshop on Niue. Nineteen fishermen took part in the workshop which was led by Steve Beverly, an SPC Fisheries Development Officer. The workshop ran from 24 August to 1 September.

The first sessions emphasised sea safety with a demonstration of a sea-safety bag containing a mini EPIRB (emergency position indicating radio beacon), hand-held GPS and VHF radio, water-proof torch, range of batteries, all-purpose tool, signal mirror, See-Rescue Streamer and first-aid kit ― all in a small waterproof bag.

Steve then covered basic gear configuration and terminology, and explained how to set the gear, and how to find fish by using charts, bird piles, plankton, temperature breaks and scum lines. He also discussed the depth of line setting and where different target species are found in the water column. Participants were shown how to rig floats and floatlines, and make up two types of branchline.

During the second part of the workshop, trainees were able to sign up for real fishing sessions. They were split into two groups to ensure everyone had a turn at every job involved in line setting and hauling operations. Despite the weather conditions, each group of trainees set and hauled 230 hooks in 40 hook baskets without mishap aided by a helpful captain and crew who instructed trainees on baiting, snapping and coiling branchlines, and other aspects of a tuna longline operation.

Along with gaining practical experience, trainees had the opportunity to view several videos and DVDs including Longline fishing, Handling of sashimi grade tuna, Hawaiian tuna action and Crossing the line (turtle handling for longline fisheries). Reading materials including longline manuals, brochures on sea safety equipment, and a booklet on using marine radios were also distributed.

For more information please contact: Steve Beverly, SPC Fisheries Development Officer, via email @ SteveB@spc.int or by phone: +687 262000

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