The operator of a longline fishing vessel operating out of California is seeking permission from the National Marine Fisheries Service to fish for swordfish using shallow-set lines within the 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone off the West Coast.
According to Mark Helvey of NMFS’ Southwest Region, at present, with the exception of a small harpoon fishery, swordfish fishing by the California-based fleet is done with gillnets. Most of the marketable non-target catch is tuna, with bycatch consisting of common mola and some sharks. To protect leatherback turtles, an area closure is in effect each year, from August 15 to November 15. Also, if El Niño conditions persist for more than two months, swordfish fishing is prohibited south of Point Concepcion, Helvey said.
The one-year experimental fishing permit, if granted, would require the presence of an observer whenever the vessel was at sea and would allow a maximum of four fishing trips. Fishing could begin as early as mid-September of this year.
There is a general feeling that shallow-set longline fishing would be more selective with less bycatch of unwanted species than what is caught with the drift gillnets, Helvey said. At present, with swordfish in high demand, between 70 and 80 percent of the fish sold come from foreign countries, where “we have no idea of the protections in place,” he added.
A biological opinion was being written for the experimental permit, Helvey said. Public comments on the proposed permit were received through July 13. NMFS is reviewing them and will issue a decision later this month.
Meanwhile, the Pacific Fishery Management Council is planning to consider a limited-entry longline fishery outside the U.S. EEZ. The matter will be taken up at the council’s September meeting.
— Patricia Tummons
Volume 18, Number 2 August 2007