Hookpod: A Longline Seabird Bycatch Solution
The incidental capture of seabirds in tuna longline fisheries is one of the leading causes of global seabird population declines, particularly among endangered albatross species. Although several proven mitigation measures exist to reduce seabird bycatch, many are costly to implement and require additional training for fishers.
Developed in 2013, Hookpods were designed to provide a practical, easy-to-use solution for reducing seabird bycatch in longline fisheries. Hookpods protect seabirds without disrupting fishing operations by enclosing the baited hook as it enters the water. The device remains closed until the hook has sunk beyond the diving depth of seabirds, significantly reducing the risk of accidental capture. Each Hookpod is weighted to increase sink rates and can incorporate an integrated LED light, eliminating the need for disposable chemical light sticks. Studies have demonstrated that Hookpods can reduce seabird bycatch by up to 95% compared with traditional fishing practices.
In 2020, with support from Aldi US, a longtime partner of Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, Hookpods were purchased and distributed to tuna fishing vessels. However, implementation was delayed due to challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as initial resistance within the fishing community. In 2024, a pilot project was launched using longline gear equipped with Hookpods. Participating vessels each received approximately 300 Hookpods, which were deployed using two different configurations to allow comparisons with traditional hook setups.
A second pilot project was initiated in 2025. During this phase, Hookpods are being deployed on a vessel that has reported positive experiences using the technology. The deployment is being combined with electronic monitoring (EM) systems to verify proper use of the Hookpods and to collect data on their effectiveness in reducing seabird bycatch.
