DISCOVER
How the Underwater Bait Setter works.
Overview
How it works.
How It Works
There are 3 operational steps.
Step 1 – Bait loading
Bait capsule is docked at the top of the track. Deckhand places a baited hook inside the capsule.
Step 2 – Capsule release
Capsule release button pressed by deckhand. The capsule is released from the docking station and descends at 6 m/s to the bottom of the track.
Step 3 – Hook release
Capsule sling shots to a depth pre-determined by the skipper. The hydraulics reverse automatically and the baited hook is flushed out of the capsule. The capsule returns to the docking station at the top of the track and the cycle is repeated.
Why Use It?
The Bait Setter sets hooks underwater.
Prevents bait loss to seabirds resulting in improved catch rates of fish.
Is proven as a stand-alone method that will enable fishing without restriction in seabird areas.
Eliminates seabird bycatch. 19 of 22 albatross species are threatened, and longline fishing is a key factor in these declines.
Competitive Advantage – demonstrate best practice and provide the highest quality, sustainable product at a premium price.
Ergonomic and safe for crews. No need for additional mitigation measures like tori lines and night setting.
Automatic data logging, prove compliance to regulators easily.
You're in good company
Users can see the benefits. Here is some of the feedback we’ve received.
“The most important thing for me is that I want to introduce a new concept to the sailors and members of the crew – the concept of responsible fishing – it means avoiding, so far as possible, seabird mortality and irresponsible fishing.”
Alfredo Olaya
Uruguayan Fishing Master
“It's easy to use. It keeps bait off the surface and it stops the birds following. It reduces bait loss, and does away with the need for a tori line and night setting.”
Henry Brennan
Skipper, Altair Fishing Ltd NZ
The Underwater Bait Setter keeps birds off baits, and baits on hooks
The EVIDENCE
Setting baited hooks by stealth (underwater) eliminates the unwanted bycatch of albatrosses and petrels in surface longline fisheries. This is proven. These peer-reviewed scientific papers are evidence that the bait setter works, and can be a standalone seabird bycatch mitigation measure.