Linked Buoy Gear, Deep-Set

Deep-set Linked Buoy Gear configuration entails an actively-maintained and unanchored fishing gear structure. It features a single unit composed of two vertical downlines, each equipped with a buoyant material that prevents compression. These downlines possess weighted components. A horizontal deep line connects the two downlines, positioned at or below a stipulated depth of 90 meters. To this horizontal line, a maximum of 3 hooks can be affixed. The individual units of this gear are interconnected through a functional near-surface line, ensuring their coordinated deployment and management during fishing operations.

This method is a newer sustainable alternative to swordfish fishing due to several key design features and operational principles that help minimize its impact on marine ecosystems and target species. Here are some reasons why this gear type is regarded as sustainable:

1. Selective Targeting: The gear's design allows for targeted fishing by using a limited number of hooks (up to 3) on the horizontal deep line. This reduces the likelihood of unintentional bycatch of non-target species, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity.
2. Deep-Set Deployment: The gear is set at a minimum depth of 90 meters. By fishing at these depths, it targets species that inhabit the deep-sea environment, which often have different reproductive and life cycle characteristics compared to shallower-water species. This helps avoid overfishing of shallower species and supports a balanced ecosystem.
3. Buoyant Downlines: The use of non-compressible buoyant materials on the downlines prevents these lines from coming into contact with the seafloor. This minimizes the potential for habitat destruction, disruption of sensitive benthic communities, and damage to underwater structures.
4. Limited Hooks: The restriction of a maximum of 3 hooks per horizontal line reduces the overall fishing pressure on the target species. This controlled approach helps prevent overexploitation and supports the sustainability of the fish population being targeted.
5. Near-Surface Interconnection: The interconnection of individual units through a near-surface line aids in the coordinated deployment and retrieval of the gear. This reduces the chances of gear loss or abandonment, which can have negative environmental consequences.
6. Active Management: The gear type is described as "actively-tended," implying that it requires ongoing monitoring and management by fishermen. This reduces the potential for ghost fishing (fishing gear continuing to catch marine life after it's been abandoned) and helps prevent unintended environmental impacts.
7. Regulation and Compliance: The specifications and limitations outlined for this gear type contribute to enforceable regulations. Compliance with these regulations is vital for maintaining sustainable fishing practices and preventing overexploitation.
8. Scientific Monitoring: The sustainable nature of this gear can be further supported by scientific monitoring and data collection. Gathering information about catch composition, bycatch, and the health of target populations allows for adaptive management strategies that respond to changing ecosystem dynamics.

Overall, Deep-set Linked Buoy Gear configuration demonstrates a conscious effort to balance fishing activities with the conservation of marine ecosystems and target species, making it a more sustainable option within the realm of fishing practices.

*Please note, this definition is based on industry knowledge and is intended to provide a general understanding of the Deep-set Linked Buoy Gear configuration's sustainable attributes. For more comprehensive and up-to-date information, readers are advised to refer to appropriate regulatory agencies and sources. Agencies such as the Pacific States Fisheries Management Council, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries), and similar bodies may offer official regulations, guidelines, and updates related to this gear type and fishing practices.

It's recommended that interested parties consult these authoritative sources for the most accurate and current details. The description provided herein reflects key aspects of the gear type, considering information similar to that found in the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's User Guide for Electronic Fish Ticket Submission.