Why is there a difference in bycatch?

Bycatch refers to fish and other marine animals that are accidentally caught and are not the target species. This could be an underdeveloped tuna, another type of fish, or other sea creatures such as sea turtles. Tuna fisheries using longlines or purse seines with fish-attracting buoys tend to have relatively high bycatch. With longlines, the hooks remain in the water for longer periods, which also attracts other species. In purse seines using fish-attracting buoys, all fish gathered around the buoy are caught, often including other species as well.

In tuna fisheries that use pole-and-line methods, bycatch is minimal. This is because the fishermen target specific tuna schools and use bait and hooks that only attract tuna. Additionally, the fisherman hauls in the line immediately, allowing them to identify whether the fish caught is the target species. If it isn't, the fish can be released back into the water right away, without harm.

How is the pole-and-line method so selective?

In the pole-and-line method, the tuna's hunting instinct is triggered. This instinct causes them to go into a feeding frenzy, hunting in large numbers for a school of fish. They bite at anything that glitters, making it the perfect moment for the fishermen to drop their lines with hooks into the water. The feeding frenzy is mimicked by breaking the water's surface with sprays from the boat and throwing live bait into the water. To the tuna, it appears as though the chased school of fish (the bait) is being cornered, with birds diving into the water to catch fish. The tuna seizes the opportunity and eagerly bites at both the bait and the shiny hooks of the fishermen. The fishermen immediately reel in the line once they get a bite.

Hengel & lijn-logo

The pole and line logo that appears on Fish Tales tuna products.

By placing a clear logo on our packaging, consumers can immediately see that all of our tuna is caught using pole-and-line methods. This could be traditional pole-and-line fishing, trolling lines, or handlines. Trolling lines and handlines are similar to traditional pole-and-line fishing. With trolling lines, instead of multiple rods, there are two large rods that extend from the boat with lines attached. With handlines, the fisherman holds the spool with the line directly. Just like with pole-and-line fishing, trolling lines and handlines also involve catching fish one at a time, resulting in almost no bycatch. That’s why these methods fall under the same category and meet our criteria for carrying the Fish Tales Pole & Line logo.