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K.R.S. Snell and colleagues, writing on-line in the journal Polar Biology, have compared bird-scaring lines on South Atlantic trawlers.

The paper's abstract follows:

"Fisheries-related mortality of globally threatened albatrosses and petrels in the Falkland Islands [(Islas Malvinas)*] is largely attributed to collisions with warp cables on stern trawlers.  Following the introduction [of] Tori lines, also known as bird-scaring lines, in 2004, incidental mortality has been substantially reduced.  However, there is still a requirement for further development and optimisation of mitigation methods.  In this paper, we present results of sea trials to compare the efficacy of a modified Tori line design with the initial (2004) design.  The modified design resulted in 28 and 33% fewer warp contacts than the 2004 design for all species, and high-risk species (black-browed albatross and giant petrels), respectively.  Surprisingly, these differences were not found to be statistically significant.  However,the modified design was more effective at reducing interactions with the Tori lines themselves.  The modified design provided better coverage and protection of the warps, particularly in crosswinds, and was safer for the crew to use.  Our study highlights the importance of continued research and development in the field of bycatch mitigation and has relevance for trawl fisheries globally."

Fishing trawler in the South Atlantic
Photograph by Juan Pablo Seco Pon

Reference:

Snell, K.R.S., Brickle, P. & Wolfaardt, A.C. 2011.  Refining Tori lines to further reduce seabird mortality associated with demersal trawlers in the South Atlantic.  Polar Biology  DOI 10.1007/s00300-011-1113-z.

John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 19 November 2011

*A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas.