Hook and Line Fleet Chracterization Form

HOOK AND LINE FLEET CHARACTERIZATION (HLFC) FORM
Observer Name ___________________________

Trip Number ___________________

Required for ALL trips, in which longline gear is used (Gear Types 19 and 20).
Additional form required any time changes are made that affect one or more fields.
How is the product delivered? (Check all that apply)
Whole
Head and Gutted
Other (Comment)
Do the following characteristics apply to ALL hauls?

Yes

No*

The vessel sets gear at an average speed of _______ knots
The vessel deployed an average number of _________ hooks per skate (Leave blank if snap gear)
Are floats used? (not including anchor buoys)

Yes

No

If yes, indicate: What is the average number of floats per skate? _______
Are weights used? (not including anchor weights)

Yes

No

If yes, indicate: mass per weight _______ lbs. & average number of weights per skate _______
Does the vessel use seabird avoidance gear/measures while setting?

Yes

No

If yes, select ALL avoidance types used:
One Buoy Line
(aka Bird Bag)

Two Buoy Lines
(aka Bird Bags)

One Streamer
Line

Integrated Weight Line

Strategic Offal
Disposal

Two Streamer
Lines

Added Line Weight

Other (Comment)

If streamer line(s) used, what is the average
aerial extent (See Fig. 1)?
Fixed hooks:

< 40 m

> 40 m

Snap-gear:

< 20 m

> 20 m

If snap gear, what is the average horizontal
distance of the streamer line to the point
where the gear enters the water?
<2m

Comments:

>2m

(To sink gear faster)

Fig. 1: Aerial Extent (A)
of streamer line

Streamer Line

Drag Buoy

STERN
Gear

NOTE: Individual streamers are generally spaced at 5 m increments. When in
doubt, measure spacing to verify. Regulations require spacing of < 5 m.

HLFC  Form v.2020        OMB Control No. 0648‐0593 expires 12/31/2021

*If No, record the associated haul number(s): _______________________________________________