Minimisation of the incidental mortality of seabirds
Article 55
1. Without prejudice to Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 601/2004 vessels using the Spanish method of longline fishing shall release weights before line tension occurs. 2. For the purpose of the longline fishing referred to in paragraph 1, the following weights may be used: (a) traditional weights made from rocks or concrete of at least 8.5 kg mass which shall be used, spaced at intervals of no more than 40 m; (b) traditional weights made from rocks or concrete of at least 6 kg mass which shall be used, spaced at intervals of no more than 20 m, or (c) solid steel weights, not made from chain links, of at least 5 kg mass which shall be used, spaced at intervals of no more than 40 m.