GB2335584A

GB2335584A - Fishing line deployment device

Info

Publication number: GB2335584A
Application number: GB9806385A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Nicholas Chavasse; Edgar Francis James Chavasse
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-03-26
Filing date: 1998-03-26
Publication date: 1999-09-29
Also published as: GB9806385D0

Abstract

A fishing line deployment device comprises a containment means in the form of a lipped disc 1 which contains branch line and hooks by means of arms 3 which pivot downwards to an open position to released the branch line and hooks at a level below the water surface. The arms may be released by a soluble are otherwise retainer 4. The disc 1 may have a bait compartment 5. The device may be cast manually or from an automated launching device. Deployment of the device takes place at a depth below the range of foraging seabirds which are prevented from entanglement therewith.

Description

1 2335584

DESCRIPTION

SEABIRD SAVING SYSTEM SSS3 This invention relates to means for avoiding the unintentional catch of seabirds during fishing operations.

Fishing operations that use longlines and baited branchlines in coastal and high seas fisheries catch tens of thousands of seabirds annually. When the baited hooks are close to the water's surface foraging seabirds prey upon them consequently many seabirds are hooked and drowned in the process of line setting and to a lesser extent during line hauling.

This invention will prevent the baits being taken by seabirds and provides effective means for dealing with the problem of seabird bycatch in fisheries.

One embodiment of the device, or pod, provided in this invention comprises a lipped circular form as shown in Fig. 1 that is connected by means to the fishing line or through which the fishing line passes Fig. 2. The baited hook(s) and branchlinelsnood may be held within the device by retaining rods, clips or snaps. The device may incorporate multiple vents to release entrapped air on entry into the water and may contain a centrally or otherwise located compartment for the baited hook(s). Said device may be launched manually or by mechanical means as described.

Protection of the baited hook(s) from foraging seabirds is provided because the hook(s) and coiled branchlinelsnood may be releasably stored within the device before, during, and after the launching of the lines. The line and hook(s) are able to drop free of the device once it/they are below the foraging range of most seabirds. Once at this stage the rods, fasteners or clips retaining the snood and hook(s) within the device release by naturally occurring or automated means. Such means may comprise the disintegration of (a) soluble locking mechanism(s), or by timed mechanical means, whether spring operated, or other means.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the underside of the device with a centrally located bait compartment, some vents, and the retaining rods in a closed position, the bait compartment may also be incorporated as a part of the whole or offset.

In reference to the Figure 1, 1 shows the lipped circular device within which the baited hook(s) and branchline are placed; an approximation of the potential vents 2; the retaining rods 3; the soluble or otherwise releasable retaining plug, cap, or rod retainer 4; the bait compartment 5; the optional central grommet 6, or attaching mechanism; the retaining rod hinges 7, which allow the rods to fall open upon being released, providing means for the bait and coiled line to fall free of the device and be available to the target fish species. The rods may also be reversed and be centrally or z near-centrally hinged; said retention mechanism may also comprise similarly releasable clips or snaps that hold the line and baited hook(s) in place.

The upper branchline may be attached directly to the device by tying, snapping or otherwise securing it to the upper end of single or double headed swivel, snap or clip mounted within, on or through the device. The lower line with hook(s) may then be attached to the opposite end, or otherwise secured connector.

The device may also contain a central grommet that may be notched to allow for branchline knots or other inline accessory means to pass through the grommet when placed under sudden pressure (such as experienced when a fish struggles after being caught). This would also facilitate device positioning on the line and provide for unhindered coiling of the line when retrieved. Additionally it may provide positive backpressure on the hook when fish take the hook, providing higher catch rates.

Figure 2 shows the device 1, with the retaining rods 3, in the open or released position and the branch 1 i nelsnood 8, with baited hook 9 dropping free and a soluble rod retainer 10 in the pre-release position.

The device may be placed intolonto an automated launching tray for casting, or be cast manually. Upon line retrieval, the coiled snood and hook can be stored within the device, which can then be stacked prior to baiting and re-use, or the devices may removed from the line, stacked, then re-attached during the baiting process.

The device may be constructed from metals, plastics, rubbers and organic materials or a combination of materials.

The launching tray comprises a slotted compartment within which or onto which the device is placed (similar to a skeet/clay pigeon launcher). With an adequate length of upper branchline positioned to freely uncoil, the launcher ejects the device with either an electrical or hydraulic ram or swivelfrotational action.

3 1

Claims

CLAIMS SSS3

1. A manually or mechanically launchable, fisheries seabird saving or avoidance device, or pod, comprising an inline lipped disc to contain the baited hook(s) and branchlinelsnood, with means for releasing both below the range of foraging seabirds.

2. A seabird avoidance device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein means are provided to adequately secure line and hook(s) to the device, before, during and after casting.

3. A seabird avoidance device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein means for attachment of the device to the fishing line are provided.

4. A seabird avoidance device as claimed in preceding claims wherein means are provided to allow the device to release trapped air upon contact with water.

5. A seabird avoidance device as claimed in preceding claims that provides means for the separation of the baited hook(s) from the branchline.

6. A seabird avoidance device as claimed in preceding claims with means provided to disconnect from initial inline placement.

7. A seabird avoidance device as claimed in preceding claims that provides for releasable, hinged or snapping line retention mechanisms.

8. A seabird avoidance device as claimed in any preceding claim that provides means to split and attach the upper branchlinelsnood directly to the device.

9. A seabird avoidance device as claimed in Claim 8 that provides for the attachment of the lower branch linefsnood with hook(s) to the device.

1 O.A seabird avoidance device as claimed in any preceding claim that provides means for the fishing line to pass through the device.

1 LA seabird avoidance device substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.