In recent years there has been an increased focus on reducing seabird captures that occur during hauling in CCAMLR longline fisheries. Haul captures were first recognised by CCAMLR as a problem as early as 1994/95 when steps were taken to reduce the attraction of seabirds to vessels during the hauling process. Since 2003, increased efforts have been made to improve the design and performance of bird exclusion devices (BEDs) placed around the hauling bay. Data collected by scientific observers since 2003 suggest that there are two key aspects of effective BEDs, firstly that they provide a deterrent to seabirds landing adjacent to the line as it is being hauled, and secondly that seabirds are deterred from swimming or ‘jumping’ into the area around the hauling bay. Based on this analysis, CCAMLR incorporated these two key functional characteristics into the specification of a BED to be deployed by longline vessels to reduce seabird captures during the haul.