Gear tending time frames in the Arctic and Atlantic Canada : conservation considerations in selected longline and gillnet fisheries

This report reviews conservation considerations associated with gear tending time, commonly referred to as soak time, in the scientific literature relating to longline and gillnet fisheries in the Arctic and Atlantic Canada. Soak time, defined as the period between gear deployment and retrieval, is regulated under the Atlantic Fishery Regulations, 1985, which currently prohibit leaving gear unattended for more than 72 hours (h). Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is exploring amendments to allow flexibility in soak time where conservation objectives are not compromised. The review synthesizes literature on ecosystem-level and catch-related impacts of soak time across five representative species: Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus), Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua), Swordfish (Xiphias gladius), Atlantic Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus), and Greenland Halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides). Findings indicate that extended soak times increase entanglement risk for marine mammals, turtles, and birds, contribute to ghost gear formation, and accelerate catch degradation and unaccounted mortality. Effects on total catch and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) are variable and often non-linear, with longer soak times generally associated with increased bycatch and catch spoilage rather than improved yield. Mitigation measures such as gear modifications, spatial or temporal closures, and alternative bait or hook designs are discussed, though quantitative cost-benefit analyses remain limited. This report highlights significant knowledge gaps, particularly regarding cumulative impacts and species-specific responses, underscoring the need for further research before regulatory changes are implemented.