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 can pose a serious safety risk to crew. When hooked sharks bite through a branchline under tension, the line can recoil suddenly at high speed, a dangerous “biteback” that has caused serious crew injuries, particularly where permanently crimped weighted swivels are used.

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 line weight, increasing baited-hook sink rates to reduce seabird bycatch during shooting operations. Its unique sliding design also improves crew safety compared with traditional crimped lead-weighted swivels by reducing the risk of dangerous weight flyback following a bite-off.

In addition, the luminescent model acts as a visual attractant and has been favoured in some fisheries for its potential to improve target catch rates.

Unlike traditional lead-weighted swivels that are permanently crimped to the line, LumoLead slides freely along the monofilament. In the event of a shark bite-off or hook pull at the surface, the weight can slide along the line, helping to dissipate recoil energy. This significantly reduces the risk of a fixed weight or hook being propelled back towards the crew at high speed.

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. 