Pelagic longlining targets fish by using baited hooks connected to a central line. The central line is three to 50 miles long and is allowed to "soak" in the ocean, attracting anything that swims by. This includes endangered sea turtles and many other species of marine life, such as this blue shark (above). Unfortunately, the damage to the shark had been done by the time the line was hauled aboard.

Grabbing baited hooks as they are deployed into the water, seabirds, such as the endangered albatross, are also common bycatch for pelagic longliners. Once hooked, the birds are pulled under the water and drown. Pelagic longliners in Hawaii have modified their fishing techniques to minimize bycatch. Deploying their lines through chutes to prevent snagging seabirds, Hawaiian longliners also set their gear at various depths and respect seasonal fishing closures to avoid interactions with sea turtles.