LumoLead

A luminescent lead weight for long-line fisheries that is safer for the crew and reduces seabird bycatch 

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THE CHALLENGE:

Crew safety ricks & seabird bycatch

In longline fisheries, seabirds are frequently caught when they dive on baited hooks or scavenge during hauling. These interactions contribute significantly to global seabird declines, with an estimated 160,000 to 320,000 seabirds killed annually in longline operations. 

In addition, pelagic longline fisheries pose a safety risk to crew: when sharks are hooked and bite through the line, the tension can cause sudden line recoil—a dangerous “biteback” that whips the line back at high speed, that has lead to serious crew injuries in the past.  

Mitigating these risks is critical for both wildlife conservation and crew welfare.  

OUR SOLUTION

LumoLead

Fishtek Marine’s LumoLead was developed in collaboration with fishers from Australia’s east coast tuna fishery, the Australian Antarctic Division, and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority. Its primary function is as a weight that increases bait sinking rates to reduce seabird bycatch, but it also has a unique sliding design.  

Unlike traditional swivel leads crimped onto the line, LumoLead slides freely on monofilament. In the event of a bite-off or hook pull at the surface, the weight slides down the line and helps to absorb the recoil energy, reducing the risk of the hook flying back toward the crew.  

This dual function supports safer and more sustainable fishing practices.  

While LumoLead significantly reduces the risk of flybacks, Fishtek Marine does not guarantee complete prevention. Crews must remain vigilant and continue to wear appropriate PPE while on deck.  

Extensive trials in Australia have demonstrated that using a 45 g LumoLead at the hook does not reduce target catch (tuna and tuna-like species) compared to traditional line-weighting methods.

LumoLed Models

Option	Available Versions
Weight	40g / 60g
Colours	Lumo (glows up to 6 hours) / Black / Natural

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Key Features

Easy to Deploy

No gear modification is needed. LumoLeads attach quickly to monofilament lines using a patented collet chuck system, eliminating the need for crimping and preserving line strength. They can also be repositioned easily at sea.

Durable

Manufactured in the UK using high-grade nylon, a robust, ultra-hard-wearing polymer that securely encapsulates the lead core for long-term performance in harsh marine environments.  

Luminescent

The leads are encased in 2mm luminescent nylon that glows for up to six hours, attracting bait fish to the hook. 