Seabird Streamer Line Requirements
Seabird avoidance gear is required while setting hook-and-line gear for halibut, sablefish, and other groundfish in federal waters and some state waters. Vessels are required to show that they have seabird avoidance gear upon inspection.
Vessels Using Snap Gear
1) Vessels 26′ to 55′ length overall without a mast, poles, or rigging need 1 buoy bag line except in winds exceeding 30 knots.
2) Vessels 26′ to 55′ with mast, poles, or rigging need 1 streamer line of at least 147.6′ in length with streamers every 16.4′ unless the winds exceed 30 knots.
3) Vessels greater than 55′ length overall minimum of 1 streamer at all times.
These streamers must be deployed so that streamers are in the air 65.6′ aft of the stern and within 6.6′ horizontally of the point where the groundline is entering the water. Streamers must be brightly colored, UV-protected plastic tubing or 3/8″ polyester line, or material of equivalent density.
Vessels Using Other than Snap Gear
1) Vessels 26′ to 55′ length overall without a mast, poles, or rigging need 1 buoy bag line except in winds exceeding 45 knots.
2) Vessels 26′ to 55′ length overall with a mast, poles or rigging need 1 streamer line of at least 300′ in length with streamers every 16.4′ unless winds exceed 45 knots.
3) Vessels greater than 55′ length overall minimum of a paired streamer line.
These streamers must be deployed so that streamers are in the air 65.6′ aft of the stern an within 6.6′ horizontally of a point where the groundline is entering the water. Streamer must be brightly colored, UV-protected plastic tubing or 3/8″ polyester line, or material of equivalent density.
Here is information on building seabird avoidance lines: