WWF has published a policy brief entitled ‘Towards the Adoption of Circle Hooks to Reduce Fisheries Bycatch in the Coral Triangle Region’.
In the policy brief Culimer B.V. has been recognised as one of the leading partners in the development of the regional transition process towards sustainable tuna. The policy brief evaluates the urgent issue of by-catch reduction in long line fisheries in the Coral Triangle, providing evidence, analysis, recommendations and advice.
WWF says that thousands of endangered marine turtles could be saved in the Coral Triangle region if the fishing industry starts using innovative and responsible fishing gear. As being the initiator behind the move towards sustainable tuna fisheries WWF has published a policy brief recently. The brief outlines evidence confirming the benefits of circle hooks in reducing by-catch of marine turtles while not adversely impacting – and in most cases actually improving – target catch.
Seafood supplier Culimer B.V. has been one of the first companies to support this green initiative and now has been recognised for its tremendous work towards sustainable tuna. “Culimer is proud partner with WWF on implementation of circle hooks in its fishing and processing activities,” says Martin Brugman, managing director of Culimer B.V. “Training hundreds of fishermen and helping them to implement C-hooks is a joy,” he adds.
Circle hooks have been shown to reduce unwanted by-catch of marine turtles by as much as 80%, compared to traditional J-hooks. Due to their tendency to hook in the mouth, circle hooks also increase post-hook survival of fish, leading to harvesting fresher and better quality seafood. “The enhanced quality of circle hook caught fish can create a better product in combination with super frozen processing,” Brugman says. “The value allows fishermen to make a decent living whilst allowing them to protect the resource and respect sensible quota. Combining sustainable growth with economic sense is possible! Making it work for the fishing community creates better results for all, we can see that every day with pleasure.”
Furthermore, the policy brief provides a rationale for the transition to the use of Circle hooks among long line operations in the Coral Triangle region, as a necessary step in reversing negative impacts on marine turtles in this region. In describing various policy options and outlining a recommended course of action, this brief aims to serve as an impetus for positive, solution-based change in long line fisheries and contribute to sustained improvements in the management and environmental performance of this sector. Finally, WWF aims to stimulate more players in the fishing sector to fully utilise Circle hooks.
