In recent years we have an identified need to reduce interactions with protected species, namely the sea turtles and monk seals that frequent Hawaii’s nearshore waters. Barbless circle hooks can reduce the severity of injuries to both released fish and any protected species by allowing the animal a better chance of quickly ridding itself of the hook without any human intervention. In 2005, several scientists at the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) began a project to increase the awareness and usage of barbless circle hooks by Hawaii’s shoreline fishermen. |
Randall Elarco Jr. and a 117 lb white ulua caught on the Big Island, May 2006. Mustad 16/0 circle hook using tako for bait. Photo courtesy of Randall Elarco Jr. |
The barbless circle hook used by Randall (left), compared to a new one (right). Photo courtesy of Randall Elarco Jr.
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The goals of the project are to: promote fishers’ awareness of the problem and provide mitigation strategies; get fishers to try using barbless circle hooks; and educate the general public about how fishing and protected species can coexist. In the last two years, Kurt Kawamoto and Bert Kikkawa have visited dozens of shoreline fishing outings and tournaments on several islands collecting data on the use of barbless hooks and distributing information to interested fishers. In the first three years, the project distributed over 35,000 barbless circle hooks throughout Hawaii.
Kurt and Bert are always looking for feedback on how these hooks work or don’t work for you. Email or call them at Kurt Kawamoto (808) 983-5326 (Kurt), and Bert Kikkawa (808) 983-5328 (Bert) to tell your story or get more information about next season’s events. |
