Yes, there are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional bait in longlining: Artificial Bait: Made from biodegradable materials, they don't deplete natural fish stocks and can be designed to target specific species, reducing by-catch. Fish Waste: Instead of discarding fish waste (like heads, tails, and offcuts), they can be repurposed as bait, ensuring more of the fish is utilized. Aquaculture By-products: The by-products from fish farming, otherwise discarded, can be used as bait, reducing the need to catch wild baitfish. Plant-based Baits: Some research is being conducted into using plant-based materials to create baits, though their effectiveness varies by target species. Pheromone-enhanced Baits: Using natural chemical signals can make baits more attractive to specific species, potentially reducing by-catch. Eco-friendly Lures: While not bait in the traditional sense, some lures are designed to mimic the movement and appearance of prey, attracting target species without using actual bait.