Three‐dimensional underwater shape measurement of tuna longline using ultrasonic positioning system and ORBCOMM buoy

The installation depth of the hook in longline fishing gear has previously been measured with micro depth loggers. Research that assumes the catenary shape of longline fishing gear by a simulation based on these data has been done. However, it was not known whether the branch line was tangled with the main line or flowed with the current. In this research, an ultrasonic positioning system generally used to investigate the underwater behavior of marine organisms, and a buoy with a communications satellite, have been used, and the 3‐dimensional underwater shape of tuna longline fishing gear was measured. It was possible to monitor changes in fishing gear in real time. The possibility of high precision measurement was suggested with future technical improvement.