Hookpod

The Hookpod consists of a polycarbonate capsule that encases the point and barb of a baited longline fishing hook. The pod contains an air pressure mechanism which opens when it reaches a predetermined depth in the water, beyond the normal diving range of seabirds such as the albatross. After fishing, the Hookpod is pulled onboard, closed and stored ready for re-use. It retro fits onto existing fishing gear and the ergonomic shape ensures both ease of handling and minimises line entanglement. Designed by Ben Sullivan and brothers Ben and Pete Kibel in 2013 after eight years of research and development, the Hookpod has been developed with and for fishermen to reduce the bycatch of seabirds that can get caught on baited, pelagic longline fishing hooks during the line setting stage, and before the hooks have sunk. Hundreds of thousands of seabirds die in this way every year but testing has shown a 95% reduction through using Hookpods.

moulded: "Hookpod. patented 7. PC." (capsule)

AIBDC : 008599