longline fishing

Longline fishing is a method where large single fishing lines, called "longlines," are set out in the water, often stretching several kilometers. These lines have thousands of baited hooks attached at intervals to catch fish like tuna, swordfish, and halibut. The lines are deployed from fishing vessels and left to drift or be anchored in place. Once the line has been in the water for a while, the crew retrieves it, harvesting the caught fish. This method is efficient and allows for selective catching, but it can also impact other marine species, including seabirds and non-target fish.