Effective
- July 1, 2018
- December 31, 2022
Effective December 31, 2022
The July 27, 2021, amendment expanded the requirement for longline bycatch-prevention policies to include best practices for seabirds.
This change is effective December 31, 2022, for large-scale longline vessels.
The text of the measure that you see on this page is current and complete. For details on how participating companies will be audited on this measure, see the audit protocol.
- December 31, 2023
Effective December 31, 2023
The April 6, 2022, amendment added a proof of implementation of the public policy requirement.
This change is effective December 31, 2023.
The text of the measure that you see on this page is current and complete. For details on how participating companies will be audited on this measure, see the audit protocol.
Adopted
- April 25, 2017
Amended
- July 27, 2021
Amended July 27, 2021
The July 27, 2021, amendment expanded the requirement for longline bycatch-prevention policies to include best practices for seabirds.
This change is effective December 31, 2022, for large-scale longline vessels.
The text of the measure that you see on this page is current and complete. For details on how participating companies will be audited on this measure, see the audit protocol.
- April 6, 2022
Amended April 6, 2022
The April 6, 2022, amendment added a proof of implementation of the public policy requirement.
This change is effective December 31, 2023.
The text of the measure that you see on this page is current and complete. For details on how participating companies will be audited on this measure, see the audit protocol.
Gear Type(s)
Some RFMOs have adopted requirements for the use of certain gear modifications, such as the use of whole finfish bait, circle hooks and monofilament lines, and/or handling techniques, and/or prohibited the use of “shark lines,” in some longline tuna fisheries, while others have not. ISSF is committed to supporting a transition to the use of such techniques by longline vessels, globally.
To further support the implementation of existing RFMO conservation measures for bycatch mitigation in longline tuna fisheries, and to promote the appropriate use of such techniques by longline fleets globally:
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- Processors, traders, importers, marketers and others involved in the seafood industry shall conduct transactions only with those longline vessels whose owners have a public policy requiring the implementation of the following best practices for sharks, seabirds and marine turtles:
(a) the use of circle hooks and only monofilament lines (e.g., the use of wire trace is prohibited); and
(b) the use of whole finfish bait
(c) implementation by the crew of best practice handling techniques for sharks, seabirds and marine turtles such as those outlined in the ISSF Skippers’ Guidebook to Sustainable Longline Fishing Practices; and
(d) No use of “shark lines” at any time. - As of 31 December 2023, proof of implementation of the public policy in paragraph 1 shall be required.
- For the purposes of this measure, a large-scale longline vessel is defined as a vessel that is equal to or greater than 20m length overall (LOA).
- Processors, traders, importers, marketers and others involved in the seafood industry shall conduct transactions only with those longline vessels whose owners have a public policy requiring the implementation of the following best practices for sharks, seabirds and marine turtles:
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