It is with both personal and professional regret that I present the

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1 Bycatch Communication Network NEWSLETTER Issue 18 Mar/Apr 2011 In This Issue NOAA Fisheries Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program (US) 1 Humpback Entanglement Rescue (NZ) International Smart Gear Competition (US) 5 Namibia s Demersal Longline Hake Fishery and the Albatross Task Force 6 Preliminary Report of the Dynamics of Large Whale Entanglements in Fishing Gear Workshop (US) 7 International Symposium on Circle Hooks (US) 12 It is with both personal and professional regret that I present the final issue of the BCNN. Despite a dedicated effort to secure funding for continuation of the Newsletter, none has been secured. However, I am proud that the BCNN has been in publication for exactly five years the first issue was distributed in April From its simple beginnings as a suggestion at the first WWF SmartGear Competition as a means of disseminating valuable bycatch information and research developments in a user-friendly format, feedback has continuously been positive and supportive. I would like to sincerely thank Karen Baragona, previously of WWF US for her belief in the project in its early days and providing the funds for its initiation. Also Dr. Andy Revill, previously of Cefas for enabling the BCNN to continue until now. I have thoroughly enjoyed developing and managing the BCNN and thank you, the subscribers, for your support through article submissions and your personal s of encouragement and commendation. I wish you all the very best in your continuing efforts on this extremely important issue. Sincerely, Emma Bradshaw Editor. NOAA Fisheries Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program Submitted by Lee Benaka, NOAA, US. NOAA Fisheries Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program (BREP) has released its 2010 Report to Congress, which details projects funded through the BREP during FY2010. The report describes the significant progress made in 2010 to develop technological devices and other conservation engineering designs to minimize bycatch, seabird interactions, bycatch mortality, and post-release mortality in federally managed fisheries. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily endorsed by Cefas or the BCN (Bycatch Communication Network). The BREP funded projects in 2010 to reduce bycatch in the Gulf of Mexico shrimp and longline fisheries, Atlantic gillnet and trawl fisheries, Alaska and Northwest trawl fisheries, California recreational fisheries, and Hawaii-based longline fisheries, as well as to enhance documentation and monitoring of seabird bycatch around the country. The results of these projects will help This issue of the BCN Newsletter is generously funded by Cefas (The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science), UK.

2 NOAA Fisheries meet its obligations under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, and the U.S. National Plan of Action for Reducing the Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries. In addition, 2010 BREP collaborative research, including investments in underwater video camera systems that will be loaned to the fishing industry, strengthens relations between NOAA Fisheries and the fishing industry by supporting the creation of additional fishing opportunities through more-selective fishing gear. The 2010 BREP Report to Congress is available on the NOAA Fisheries bycatch website Humpback Entanglement Rescue Carolyn Smith, Department of Conservation, New Zealand. Monday afternoon. Biodiversity Manager for the Department of Conservation (DOC) in Kaitaia, Patrick Whaley, was catching up on some tasks after just finishing a five day stint involving a mass stranding of pilot whales. Of the approximately 65 stranded animals, 14 had been saved, following an incredible ordeal involving over 800 volunteers and the largest land transportation of whales recorded in New Zealand. And then the phone rang. Ingrid Visser from Orca Research, in the area after assisting with the whale stranding, had received a call from a fisherman who had spotted what he believed to be a seven metre humpback whale with rope tangled around its midsection and fluke in the Doubtless Bay Harbour. Having never been involved in a disentanglement, common sense told Patrick that he would need help from people who had the techniques and skills to get the job done. A call was put through to DOC Kaikoura s marine ranger Mike Morrissey, asking if he could fly to Kaitaia that evening. Having being involved in previous disentanglements, Mike was the obvious choice to lead the operation. The Humpback with the entangling rope clearly visible. DOC NZ. Mike arrived that night and met with the team to run through what to expect during the disentanglement. The team consisted of Ingrid, Patrick, Mike, and DOC Kaitaia Conservation Rangers Irene Petrove, Lester Bridson and William Macrae. First light Tuesday morning, operation disentanglement sprang into action. Lester went up in a light plane to try and spot the whale, while the others went out in Ingrid s 5.6 m Niad and DOC s Kaitaia boat. Mid-afternoon and the team struck gold - Lester had spotted the whale! Much bigger than previously thought, it was estimated at around 12 m. The boats moved in and the chase began. Mike had explained that what they needed to do was attach a grapnel hook onto the debris with a 10 m rope behind it, then attach a 50 m rope from which five large windy buoys would be attached to slow the whale and stop it diving. Bycatch Communication Network Newsletter 2

3 From there it was a waiting game a whale of this size could weigh up to 30 tonnes and would not be in a good mood given the distress the entangling rope would be causing, the team knew it was essential to make sure the animal was tired before approaching it. Mike estimated that once the equipment was attached, it would take around two hours before it would be safe to approach the whale to cut it free. At 5 pm and with just over two hours daylight left, the team managed to hook onto the rope around the whale s midsection. Unfortunately, minutes later, the debris broke and the whale took off. With nightfall fast approaching, the operation was called off to resume at daylight the next morning. Mike reaches over to cut the whale free. DOC NZ. Meanwhile back at the DOC office in Kaitaia, a media frenzy was underway. DOC s Kaitaia Community Relations Manager, Carolyn Smith, was fielding a deluge of phone calls and s from national and international media outlets screaming out for images and information on the operation. With no photos available, she had to get creative. After contacting Aquatic Biodiversity Technical Support Supervisor, Andrew Baxter in DOC s Southland Conservancy for advice, she was put in touch with Doug Coughran, Senior Wildlife Officer with the Department of Environment and Conservation in Western Australia. He trained Mike Morrissey, and has a lot of experience in similar operations. Doug was able to supply photos of previous disentanglements that the media could use. He and Andrew were also able to give Carolyn great advice on a typical disentanglement operation and some statistics on numbers of entangled humpback as well as a few of the main issues and solutions that the disentanglement network deals with. 8 am Wednesday morning: Lester once again headed up in the spotter plane, while the rest of the team moved out into the harbour in Ingrid s boat, the DOC boat and a local fishing charter boat, to search once more for their elusive patient. Back at DOC s Kaitaia office, Carolyn, who was following the operation via VHF radio, wondered whether the team would be lucky enough catch up with this aquatic needle in a haystack twice. Within minutes, the plane had spotted the whale near the north-eastern side of Karikari Peninsula. The boats rushed to the area and immediately closed in on the giant mammal. The whale was still swimming strongly and keen to avoid close contact with any of the vessels; the previous night s encounter still fresh in its memory. The team managed to move closer, and just before 9 am Patrick threw out the grapnel, successfully hooking the debris around the whale s fluke with his first shot. By 11 am all the buoys were in place. Back at the office, the excitement was mounting. So far the operation couldn t have gone better. Remembering the initial advice from Mike on the two hour timeframe between hooking Bycatch Communication Network Newsletter 3

4 up the equipment and being able to approach the whale, Carolyn assumed that by late lunchtime the team would be ready to cut the animal free. However the whale, oblivious to the good intentions of the rescue team, had other ideas. Despite the drag of the buoys, the whale was still swimming strongly. In an attempt to slow it down, Ingrid s vessel was also attached to the buoy rope. This was followed by the Coastguard boat, which had arrived to provide assistance. Even with five windy buoys and two boats weighing it down, the whale still managed to reach speeds of over five knots/hour. The last buoy is attached. DOC NZ. When news of the boats attachment to the 12 m whale reached the office, the tension was tangible. Carolyn was glued to the radio, conscious of the incredible risks involved in being attached to such a powerful mammal. At that stage she wasn t aware that the boats were attached in such a way that if at any point things became too unsafe, they could immediately be released. Finally at around 2 pm, the whale showed signs of tiring. Mike, Ingrid and Patrick, all aboard Ingrid s boat, moved closer to the mammal. Once they had reached a distance of five metres, Mike was able to reach across with the specially designed, curved knife, and cut through the rope around the whale s midsection. Once the rope was cut, the animal slowed right down and rolled on to its side. The team then noticed that rope was also wrapped around the whale s pectoral fin, cutting deeply into its flesh. Patrick cut through the rope, at which stage the whale suddenly turned and headed out to the open sea. It was swimming towards the Coastguard boat and the five buoys, which were still attached to the rope tangled around its fluke. Suddenly the whale dove, dragging all five buoys underwater with it. Moments later, the buoys erupted clear out of the water. The pressure from the whale s movement had broken free the remaining rope. The freed mammal resurfaced 50 m further ahead and then swam steadily towards open sea, gaining speed as it went. Back at the office, the cheers went up. An was sent out to the large contingent of national and international media who had been following the story, as well as to Andrew and Doug. News of the operation had spread throughout the close-knit marine mammal disentanglement network, and once the team learned of the successful outcome, congratulatory s began arriving from as far away as the United States. This is the first recorded entangled humpback whale in the far north of New Zealand. Ironically, on the same day that the whale was freed, another entangled humpback was spotted 50 km further south in the Bay of Islands. Unfortunately Department of Conservation staff were unable to locate the second animal. For more information contact Carolyn Smith at: csmith@doc.govt.nz. Bycatch Communication Network Newsletter 4

5 2011 International Smart Gear Competition Mike Osmond, WWF US. On the 1 st March, 2011, WWF launched its fifth International Smart Gear Competition. The competition is designed to identify and reward innovative and practical ideas for reducing bycatch in a wide variety of fisheries. Leading entries in the competition will be in the running for $US 57,500 in prizes. The competition will be accepting submissions from March 1 to August 31, WWF s goal with the Smart Gear competition is to inspire innovative ideas for environmentallyfriendly fishing gear, said Dr. Bill Fox, Vice President of Fisheries for WWF-US. In addition to fishermen losing millions of dollars each year due to bycatch, many other species, including endangered marine life, are unintentionally and needlessly killed by antiquated fishing gear. This competition identifies real-world solutions so fishermen can fish smarter allowing them to maintain a commercially viable business while helping to maintain ocean health. Since its launch in 2005, the Smart Gear competition has grown more and more competitive with the winning entries gaining traction with many fisheries around the world. Flexi Grids, which won in 2006, are now mandatory in blue whiting fisheries in the Faroe Islands, and are used in an increasing number of countries all over the world. The Eliminator - a winning idea from 2007 designed to reduce the bycatch of cod - is now being used by fishermen in the north eastern U.S. haddock fishery, as well as being adopted by the EU as a mandatory measure for cod bycatch reduction under certain conditions. Vessels throughout the U.K. are also using a modified version of the net called the Orkney Trawl. Smart Gear is an incredibly inspiring initiative said Dr. Robin Davies, Deputy Leader of WWF s Smart Fishing Initiative. The competition is proof-positive that many talented individuals and groups the world-over are willing to apply their skills to solving this problem. The 2011 Smart Gear Competition is offering a grand prize of $US 30,000 and two $US 10,000 runner-up prizes. Additionally, in partnership with the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF), the competition is offering a $US 7,500 special tuna prize that will be awarded to the best submission to reduce the volumet of bycatch in tuna fisheries. Tuna sustainability is a top WWF global fisheries conservation priority. The real work starts the day after the prizes are awarded said Fox. WWF then works with each of the winners to bring their ideas to life and implemented in fisheries around the world. Help us spread the word and make this fifth anniversary competition the most successful yet. For further information see or contact the competition leader Mike Osmond (michael.osmond@wwfus.org) or Robin Davies (Deputy Leader, WWF Smart Fishing Initiative) rdavies@wwfint.org. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fondation Segré, International Seafood Sustainability Foundation, and the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans are supporting Smart Gear The competition begins March 1, 2011 and ends on 31 August Employees, agents, current contractors, and relatives of employees of WWF are ineligible. Judges and relatives of judges are also ineligible. The competition is void where prohibited. Odds depend on number of entries received. No purchase is necessary. Bycatch Communication Network Newsletter 5

6 Namibia s Demersal Longline Hake Fishery and the Albatross Task Force Kaspar Shimooshili and John Patterson, ATF Namibia. The demersal longline fishery targets hake along the entire Namibian coast at depths of 200 to 600 m. The fishery began in 1991 with 11 vessels, increasing to 25 vessels then decreasing to 15 vessels by These are small vessels averaging 27 m in length spending an average eight days at sea/trip. Hake longliners are wet fish boats keeping the catch on ice. This fishery accounts for approximately 6% of the 130,000 tonne hake total allowable catch. An Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross approaches the vessel John Paterson, ATF Namibia. Between January 2000 and July 2009, an average of 62,801,718 hooks were set/year averaging 20,000 hooks/set. Setting takes place between 2400 hr and 0400 hr, but approximately 12% of sets occurred during daylight hours. Although there is limited observer data, an estimated 26,000 birds are killed/year. At sea, Albatross Task Force (ATF) instructors conduct seabird density counts to establish the number and types of birds attending longline vessels. Seabird/fishing gear interactions are quantified and categorised by time, position on line, species, type and outcome of interaction. For each line set, prevailing weather conditions and sea state are recorded. We monitor all fishing operations and gear configurations to gain an understanding of the fishery and identify potential problem areas for seabird bycatch. All seabird bycatch is recorded. We are testing the effectiveness of Bird Scaring Lines (BSL s) or Tori Lines to: a) prove their effectiveness to fishers, b) gather data to support legislation making their deployment mandatory and c) develop a best practice protocol for BSL s. We will deploy time depth recorders (TDR s) to measure line sink rate and gain an understanding of how long the baited hooks are available to diving birds. During six sea trips we have observed 60 line sets deploying 874,635 hooks at an average of 14,577 hooks per set. On four trips, BSL mitigation trials were conducted. Initial results suggest that two BSL s are more effective than one, but line sink rates are not optimal. TDR work is a priority for Seabirds interacting with fishing gear are White-Chinned Petrels, Sub-Antarctic Skua, Atlantic Yellow-nosed, Black-browed and Shy Albatrosses that swallow the Setting demersal longlines at night Kaspar Shimooshili, ATF Namibia. Bycatch Communication Network Newsletter 6

7 baited hooks before they sink, become hooked and drown. White-chinned Petrels forage both at night and during the day, while albatrosses forage during the day. Mitigation measures vital to reduce bycatch are deploying BSL s, shooting at night and achieving a line sink rate of 10 m within 30 m astern of the vessel. The bycatch rate observed during four of our trips during which we conducted BSL trials was 0.4 birds/1000 hooks. The majority of these birds were White-chinned Petrels caught on control sets without a BSL. For further information contact Oli Yates at: oli.yates@gmail.com. Preliminary Report of the Dynamics of Large Whale Entanglements in Fishing Gear Workshop Overview Tim Werner, Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction, US. From February 9-11, 2011, fishermen, whale scientists, fishing gear engineers, rope manufacturers, and marine wildlife disentanglement experts participated in a workshop to review and examine the dynamics of large whale entanglements in fishing gear. The Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction organized this workshop to increase understanding about baleen whale entanglements and ultimately improve the evaluation of methods for reducing their bycatch. The Problem Large whales are frequently injured and often killed as a direct result of entanglement in fishing ropes, especially from pot and gillnet gear. The consequences of these fishing gear conflicts are particularly severe for species such as the North Atlantic right whale, a critically endangered species with an estimated population of only 450 individuals and a geographic range largely restricted to the continental shelf waters of the Northwest Atlantic. Over 80% of individuals observed between were either entangled or showed entanglement scarring (Knowlton et al., 2011), and documented mortalities as a consequence of entanglement in fishing gear occur regularly (four in just the past nine months). Since the early 1990s, it appears the severity of entanglements is increasing, and there is no evidence yet that regulated modifications to fishing gear weak links in northeast US pot and gillnet gear (as of 2008) or the growing use of sinking groundline in lobster trawls have reduced either the number or severity of these entanglements. Fisheries managers mandate gear modifications with presumed but questionable benefits to large whales because the relative rarity of entanglement events denies them the ability to test their efficacy. Mitigating bycatch in large baleen whales differs from approaches with most other marine animals owing to the inability to evaluate potential new gear modifications through at-sea trials. These trials typically compare catch rates of non-target species between existing fishing techniques and new fishing devices or methods. In the case of the North Atlantic right whale, the species is so endangered, and entanglement events are so rarely observed, that it is not possible to obtain statistically valid measures of the efficacy of new fishing gear using comparative trials. Put simply, we cannot compare entanglement rates of baleen whales between two different gear types using the typical and preferred method. Bycatch Communication Network Newsletter 7

8 The Process the removal of gear from entangled right whales has been a primary source of information for the identification of gear types and fisheries that pose a risk to right whales; this information is critical to the development of appropriate mitigation measures (Reeves et al., 2007). In the absence of carrying out at-sea trials of gear modifications, the Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction decided to see what could be learned by mining other sources of data. The initial outputs of this sponsored research was presented during the workshop and included: Analysis of scarring severity of whales carrying gear using photographic survey records (through the New England Aquarium and the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies); Upgraded illustrations of how ropes were wrapped around the bodies of entangled whales (through the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies); Measurements of the diameter, construction, linear density, specific gravity, and breaking strength of ropes retrieved from entangled whales (through rope engineer Hank McKenna); Simulations of whale flipper-rope encounters (through the University of New Hampshire); and Development of a computer model for simulating whale entanglements using engineering principles and information on whale swimming behaviour (through Duke University/Bellequant Engineering). Outputs from the above first three research projects were assembled into a booklet distributed in advance of the workshop, which contained case studies of whale entanglements for which gear had been retrieved (Figure 1, pg. 9). The case studies were of 18 right whale and 22 humpback whale events that occurred from , and were intended to provide a comprehensive picture about the entangling gear and its impacts on individual animals. Other whales become entangled in fishing ropes but only right whales and humpbacks had cases of individuals with complete scarring records, illustrated wraps, and retrieved gear. Dr. Michael Moore of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) contributed information from pathology reports for those cases that resulted in death and where a necropsy had been performed on available carcasses. Finally, NMFS brought the fishing gear retrieved in ten of these entanglements (five humpbacks and five right whales) to the workshop, and multi-disciplinary groups carried out detailed examinations of the gear, reviewed the body of evidence for each case study, and reported to the entire group on their overall assessment. Part of their assignment was to imagine whalegear conflict scenarios that could have led to the entanglement observed reverse engineering, and to consider what gear modifications might have prevented the entanglement or reduced its severity. The majority of the workshop participants (20/50) consisted of fishermen from Canada and the northeastern US who fish primarily with pot, gillnet, and drag gear. The other major groups represented were from academia and non-profit marine science groups, government (including disentanglement experts), and the rope manufacturing industry. Preliminary Results Summarized here are some preliminary results and recommendations that will be reviewed and revised in preparing the final report. For the fishermen, this was the first time they had been invited expressly to provide their expertise in analyzing whale entanglement events, and given the complete set of available Bycatch Communication Network Newsletter 8

9 Figure 1. A sample page from the whale entanglement case study booklet with information on a particular whale entanglement. A second page contains photo documentation of scarring, the gear involved, and the beached dead animal (when available). information on the whales and gear involved. Generally, all participants recognized that useful insights into whale entanglements can be acquired by having a group of fishermen and whale scientists collaboratively review entanglement events including the gear involved. It seems intuitive that the most accurate characterization of whale-gear entanglements would be achieved by engaging the fishermen who best understand the gear, and whale biologists who have studied whales the most. Yet prior to this workshop, there has not been a forum in which this exchange could occur purposefully and using the best available information on entanglement events. During the workshop, whale disentanglement experts remarked that they were convinced their initial reports could have been improved by the type of insights from fishermen aticulated during examination of case studies and retrieved gear. Separate breakout groups reviewing the same case studies arrived at the same conclusions and similar insights about particular cases. For example, two groups reported that rope knotting was a factor contributing to a higher likelihood that ropes would become lodged in a whale s baleen. Many also recognized the utility of combing multiple sources of data from individual entanglement events. One breakout group surmised that a particular entanglement originated in the whale s mouth but could only find corroborating evidence from a necropsy report that showed a furrowed scar in the jaw of the whale, the kind that would be produced by a lodged rope. Bycatch Communication Network Newsletter 9

10 Some breakout groups independently considered if many of the entanglements characterized by wraps on the peduncle, flippers, or trunk of the body could be best explained as the result of an initial encounter of gear with the whale s mouth area. Computer modeling that incorporates the physical properties of ropes with whale behavior and biology can help test this hypothesis. Dr. Laurens Howle presented an initial version of a computer model developed with a sophisticated custom software system to mathematically model the interaction between whales and fishing trap gear. The model presently allows an anatomically accurate whale model to move through a virtual environment with six degrees of freedom (three translations and three rotations). In addition, it includes a rope model to describe the rope mechanics in response to external forces such as axial current, cross current, weight, and tension. With further development and refinement, this model can provide a platform for studying whale-gear interactions and evaluating potential gear modifications, such as ropes fished under higher tension. Considering the inability to statistically validate gear modifications for whale entanglements, this tool would serve as a useful alternative. Taking all 40 case studies into account, commercial fishing ropes of all diameters and breaking strengths led to severe injury. Younger right whales were observed entangled in ropes of lower breaking strengths whereas the ropes involved in entangled adults were of higher breaking strengths. This trend applies only to the observed cases, and also excludes entangled whales for which no gear was retrieved. This data suggested that rope breaking strength would need to be reduced to < 1000 lbs if it were to result in less severe entanglements in juvenile whales, a strength that is not very practical in some or perhaps even all fishing locations. Recommendations The group suggested a number of recommendations on the final day of the workshop. 1. Many recommendations focused on improving the process by which gear is retrieved and documented from entangled whales. These included a request to thoroughly identify as much as possible the portion of the gear that was cut-off during the disentanglement and/or as part of its examination by NMFS (the US National Marine Fisheries Service). Video documentation of gear above and below the water is helpful in characterizing entanglements, and whenever it is safe to do so (for both whales and the disentanglement teams) it should be part of standard disentanglement procedure. Illustrations and photography should attempt to accurately capture the true color of the various ropes involved in the entanglement for aiding subsequent physical inspection of the gear. When gear is cut from the whale, the location s GPS coordinates should be recorded, and every effort made to return to the site and retrieve gear removed at sea. This would help answer questions such as: was there an additional gear component or another gear type involved in the entanglement?: and what drag force measurements might be estimated by knowing how much gear was trailing from the animal? Seeing as some entanglements appeared to involve multiple gear types (i.e., different sets), it would be helpful to document how these different types became overlaid on the animal. This would seem particularly relevant in determining which gear was involved in the initial contact and which may have been subsequently picked up. 2. Important gear diagnoses can generally be conducted post-disentanglement, and participants concluded this should be carried out on a regular basis by a small team including both fishermen and whale scientists. NMFS should add to the number of individuals who examine retrieved gear, to include fishermen from different locations along the east coast of North America who have the commitment and expertise to work alongside whale biologists familiar with fishing gear entanglements. 3. Considering the absence of data to indicate what impact regulated gear modifications are having on whale entanglements and the benefits of carrying out this kind of analysis, Bycatch Communication Network Newsletter 10

11 it seemed questionable that reports on the examination of retrieved gear were only available through Many fishermen would like to see if retrieved gear can be used to create an historical benchmark and more real-time tracking of how entanglement dynamics may be changing as a result of regulatory changes to fishing gear and methods. Specifically, is there any way to use this process to evaluate the impact of weak links or sinking groundline? 4. Just as the study of individual entanglement cases and their associated gear can be insightful, examination of the body of evidence from all cases assists in identifying patterns that can help inform effective mitigation methods. 5. Workshop participants stressed the need for better gear marking so that entanglement events can be clearly attributed to the exact kind of fishing gear involved, which would include information on how and where it was fished. 6. Ghost gear is occasionally involved in entanglements, so any proposed gear modifications should consider how much they might contribute to increasing ghost gear. 7. A website should give fishermen and other interested parties access to the complete set of photographic and other information on whale entanglement events, including retrieved gear. 8. Among the gear modification ideas worth evaluating is the use of fishing ropes that have higher tension while deployed underwater. These ropes might be less prone to wrapping around flippers and the peduncle region. 9. Including rope manufacturers at the workshop was useful given their knowledge of rope and expertise for evaluating the potential of innovative fishing ropes. 10. Necropsy data is extremely useful in understanding whale entanglement dynamics and needs to be better incorporated into the body of evidence assembled for relevant case studies. 11. A computer model with precise rendering of whale anatomy, behavior, rope characteristics, ocean current, and other critical factors that bear on whale entanglement dynamics would be a useful tool for studying various entanglement scenarios and evaluating gear modifications. References Knowlton, A.R., L.A. Hall, P.K. Hamilton, M.K. Marx, H.M. Pettis, and S.D. Kraus The impact of increasing line strength on entanglement scarring severity in North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis). 17 th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, 29 November 3 December 2007, Cape Town, South Africa. Oral presentation. Knowlton, A. R., P.K. Hamilton, M.K. Marx, H.M. Pettis, and S.D. Kraus Final report on 2007/2008 right whale entanglement scar coding efforts. Final Report to National Marine Fisheries Service. New England Aquarium, Boston, MA. Reeves, R. R., A. J. Read, L. Lowry, S.K. Katona, and D.J. Boness Report of the North Atlantic Right Whale Program Review Report prepared for the Marine Mammal Commission. Acknowledgments Support for the Dynamics of Whale Entanglements Project was from the Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction at the New England Aquarium under US DOC-NOAA Grant # NA09NMF The information compiled under this project and for the workshop was the product of many individuals who have been involved in whale research, gear research, necropsies, and disentanglement interventions over several decades. The case studies were pulled together by Amy Knowlton and Candace Borutskie of the New England Aquarium, and Bycatch Communication Network Newsletter 11

12 Scott Landry, Jooke Robbins, Christie McMillan and Jenn Tackaberry of the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies. John Kenney from NMFS gave us access and assistance with retrieved gear. Patrice McCarron and Heather Tetreault of Maine Lobstermen s Association, Stormy Mayo and Brian Sharp of Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies, Michael Moore of WHOI, David Mattila and Ed Lyman of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, and Scott Kraus of the New England Aquarium all provided useful input in developing the case studies. Project materials would not have been possible without the efforts of the Atlantic Large Whale Disentanglement Network. Entanglement response activities were conducted under the authority of NMFS, the NOAA Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program (Permits and ), DFO Canada and with major support from NMFS. For more information contact Timothy Werner at: twerner@neaq.org. The first International Symposium on Circle Hooks planned for May 4 6, 2011 in Miami, Florida will produce an updated, science-based assessment of the management and conservation utility of circle hooks in commercial and recreational fisheries around the globe. The symposium will provide a forum for individuals, organizations and agencies to share relevant research results and perspectives. The Science Advisory Committee: NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, Guy Harvey Research Institute, and the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, has developed a full program based on 79 excellent abstracts submitted by a dedicated group of scientists, managers, economists and fishers from 20 countries around the world. Presentations are categorized under four main topics: Circle Hooks Defined; Circle Hooks & Commercial Fisheries; Circle Hooks & Recreational Fisheries; Circle Hooks & Shark Bycatch; Circle Hooks & Sea Turtle Bycatch. Please visit our agenda page for a list of our 52 speakers and their topics. Click on the poster presenters link to see 27 posters, which will be on display throughout the symposium. Oral and poster presenters may submit a manuscript for possible publication in our Proceedings, which will be published in a special issue of the Bulletin of Marine Science (BMS). Symposium sponsors and contributors help offset costs associated with international speakers, materials, and other symposium related items. The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service is the primary sponsor of the symposium along with Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Guy Harvey Research Institute, International Seafood Sustainability Foundation, University of Miami, World Bycatch Communication Network Newsletter 12

13 Wildlife Fund, The Billfish Foundation, Florida Sea Grant, Tag-A-Giant, and others. For more information contact Doreen DiCarlo at: Circle Hook Symposium Science Advisory Committee Joseph Serafy, Ph.D., Committee Chair NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service Southeast Fisheries Science Center; Guillermo Diaz, Ph.D., NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Science and Technology; Martin A. Hall, Ph.D., Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission; Mahmood Shivji, Ph.D., Guy Harvey Research Institute Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University; Yonat Swimmer, Ph.D., NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. Website: Bycatch Communication Network Newsletter 13