ABOUT

We are a voluntary conservation initiative founded in 2017 to promote sustainable oceans and recreational fisheries for today's and future generations through fishing hook reforms. Our oceans are at threat as never before. Through much hard work and time invested, this unfunded initiative has already developed into a movement with supporters in 30+ countries​. It is also becoming a recognised online information resource. www.singlehooks.org

CIRCLE HOOKS AND BY-CATCH

Traditional long-line commercial fishing practices do not just catch target species such as tuna, swordfish and halibut. Non-target marine animal species can also be caught unintentionally including sea turtles, sharks and albatross.

Research has shown that the promotion and widespread take-up of a type of hook called a 'circle hook' helps reduce so-called by-catch in commercial long-line fishing. The use of circle hooks can result in more benign hooking, without adversely affecting catches of target species. Their use can therefore greatly help assist live-release of non-target species and greatly reduce associated mortality. However, there is a need for much greater awareness on circle hook use and a universally recognised certification scheme to ensure the right types of circle hooks are consistency used.

Anglers should also be encouraged to use tackle and techniques beneficial to successful catch and release even when they intend retaining their catch for food. This seeming contradiction allows for the unintentional catch of non-target species, or undersized juvenile fish. Circle hooks can play an important roll here also.

FUND ALLOCATION

This voluntary initiative has been taken as far as practicable without external funding support.

1. The development of a universal certification scheme for non-offset circle hooks.

2. Enable discussions to be held with national/international bodies and commercial seafood fisheries.

3. The provision of professionally developed social media and educational materials to promote circle hook take-up.