Longline Fishing Gears Market, Global Outlook and Forecast 2025-2032

MARKET INSIGHTS

Global longline fishing gears market size was valued at USD 145 million in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 152 million in 2025 to USD 214 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period.

Longline fishing gears are specialized equipment used in commercial and recreational fishing operations. These systems consist of a main line with numerous baited hooks attached at intervals, designed to target species like tuna, swordfish, and halibut. The gear includes fishing hooks, swivels, longline ropes, and other components that vary based on target species and fishing conditions.

The market growth is driven by increasing seafood demand and technological advancements in fishing equipment. However, sustainability concerns and regulatory restrictions pose challenges. Key manufacturers like Oilwind, Morenot, and Coastal Nets are developing eco-friendly solutions to address bycatch issues while maintaining fishing efficiency. The fishing hooks segment dominates product demand, though innovations in biodegradable materials for ropes and lines are gaining traction across commercial fisheries.

LONGLINE FISHING GEARS MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Rising Global Seafood Consumption Fuels Market Expansion

The longline fishing gear market is experiencing significant growth driven by increasing global demand for seafood. With the world population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, protein requirements are growing exponentially. Fish currently provides about 20% of animal protein for 3 billion people worldwide, creating sustained demand for efficient fishing methods. Longline systems offer advantages in targeting high-value species like tuna and swordfish while minimizing seafloor damage compared to trawling methods. Recent data shows the Asia-Pacific region accounting for over 70% of global fish consumption, with China alone representing 35% of worldwide seafood demand. This consumption pattern directly drives investments in advanced fishing technologies.

Technological Advancements in Gear Materials Enhance Efficiency

Material science innovations are transforming longline fishing gear performance. Modern synthetic fibers like ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) ropes offer 15-20% greater strength-to-weight ratios compared to traditional nylon lines while being more resistant to abrasion and UV degradation. These improvements translate to longer gear lifespans and reduced operational costs. Recent developments include smart buoy systems with GPS tracking and environmental sensors that optimize fishing locations while monitoring bycatch risks. Leading manufacturers are investing heavily in R&D, with some companies reporting 30% efficiency gains in recent product launches.

➤ For example, Oilwind's 2023 launch of bio-inspired hook designs reduced seabird bycatch by 40% in field tests, addressing both ecological concerns and regulatory compliance.

Furthermore, automation integration in gear deployment and retrieval systems is reducing labor requirements while improving catch consistency. These technological upgrades are making longline fishing more cost-effective and sustainable, accelerating market adoption across commercial fleets.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Stringent Environmental Regulations Limit Operational Flexibility

The longline fishing gear market faces growing constraints from marine conservation policies. Recent amendments to the Marine Mammal Protection Act in the United States and similar EU regulations impose strict bycatch reduction requirements, with some fisheries reporting compliance costs increasing by 25-35%. Gear modifications to protect endangered species like sea turtles and albatrosses often require expensive redesigns and operational changes. Certain fishing zones now mandate circle hooks and weighted lines that can increase gear costs by 15-20% while potentially reducing catch rates of target species during the transition period.

Other Restraints

Labor Shortages in Commercial Fishing
The industry is experiencing a 12-15% annual shortage of skilled deckhands and fishing masters globally. This workforce gap complicates the adoption of advanced longline systems that require specialized training. Aging fleets in traditional markets like Japan and Europe struggle to attract younger workers despite wages increasing nearly 20% over the past five years.

Fuel Price Volatility
Longline operations are particularly sensitive to diesel price fluctuations, with fuel representing 30-40% of operational costs. Recent geopolitical tensions have caused fuel expenses to vary by ±25% annually, making profitability projections uncertain for fleet operators.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Persistent Bycatch Issues Threaten Market Sustainability

Despite technological improvements, longline fishing still accounts for significant unintended catch of non-target species. Recent studies indicate that even optimized gear configurations result in 5-8% bycatch rates in tropical tuna fisheries. This ecological impact has led to increasing pressure from environmental groups and retailers implementing sustainable sourcing policies. Some major seafood buyers now require 100% observer coverage on supplying vessels, adding $15,000-$20,000 per vessel in annual monitoring costs. The industry faces the dual challenge of maintaining catch volumes while meeting progressively stricter sustainability benchmarks that change annually.

Equipment Maintenance Complexities
Modern synthetic longline ropes, while durable, require specialized repair techniques that many traditional fishing communities lack. Saltwater corrosion remains a persistent issue for metal components, with some fleet operators reporting 30% of maintenance hours dedicated to corrosion mitigation. These technical challenges are particularly acute in developing tropical fisheries where equipment servicing infrastructure is limited.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Emerging Aquaculture Integration Creates New Revenue Streams

The growing offshore aquaculture sector presents significant crossover potential for longline gear manufacturers. Modern seaweed and mussel farming operations are adopting modified longline systems that can increase production density by 40% compared to traditional methods. This diversification opportunity is particularly promising in Southeast Asia, where governments are investing $500 million annually in sustainable aquaculture development. Equipment suppliers that adapt their designs for multi-purpose use in both wild capture and aquaculture applications are capturing new market segments.

Circular Economy Innovations
Recycling programs for end-of-life fishing gear are gaining traction, with some European manufacturers offering 15-20% rebates for returned synthetic fiber materials. This sustainability initiative not only addresses environmental concerns but also creates cost savings through material recovery. Advanced polymer recycling technologies can now process used longlines into pellets for manufacturing new marine equipment, closing the production loop while meeting corporate ESG targets.

Data-Driven Fishing Optimization
Integration of IoT sensors and AI analytics into longline systems enables real-time catch monitoring and ocean condition assessment. Early adopters report 10-15% reductions in fuel consumption through optimized setting patterns, while improved catch selectivity reduces sorting time at sea. This digital transformation represents a $200 million service opportunity for gear manufacturers transitioning into full-system solution providers.

Segment Analysis:

By Type

Fishing Hooks Segment Dominates the Market Due to High Demand in Commercial Fishing Operations

The market is segmented based on type into:

• Fishing Hooks

  • Subtypes: Circle hooks, J-hooks, and others

• Swivels

  • Subtypes: Barrel swivels, Ball bearing swivels, and others

• Longline Ropes

  • Subtypes: Nylon ropes, Polypropylene ropes, and others

• Others

By Application

Commercial Fishing Segment Leads Due to Large-Scale Adoption by Industrial Fishing Fleets

The market is segmented based on application into:

• Commercial Fishing

• Recreational Fishing

• Industrial Fishing

By Material

Nylon-based Gears Remain Preferred Choice Due to Durability and Cost-effectiveness

The market is segmented based on material into:

• Nylon

• Stainless Steel

• Galvanized Steel

• Others

By End Users

Large Fishing Companies Lead Adoption Due to High Volume Requirements

The market is segmented based on end users into:

• Large Fishing Companies

• Small-scale Fishermen

• Fishing Equipment Rental Services

• Others

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Strategic Product Innovation and Sustainability Focus Drive Market Competition

The global longline fishing gears market exhibits a robust competitive environment with a mix of established manufacturers and emerging regional players. Oilwind and Morenot currently lead the market, accounting for a significant revenue share as of 2024. Their dominance stems from decades of industry expertise, vertically integrated production capabilities, and strong distribution networks across major fishing regions. The companies have recently focused on developing eco-friendly gear alternatives in response to increasing sustainability regulations.

Coastal Nets and HI-LINER FISHING GEAR & TACKLE represent second-tier competitors with strong regional footholds in North America and Europe respectively. These companies have been particularly active in the commercial fishing segment, where demand for durable, high-performance longline systems remains steady. Recent technological advancements in materials science have allowed these players to introduce corrosion-resistant synthetic fibers that extend product lifecycle while reducing environmental impact.

Meanwhile, Asian manufacturers like Linetec Korea Ind and Haesung Enterprise are gaining market share through competitive pricing strategies and rapid product iteration cycles. The Asia-Pacific region has witnessed particularly aggressive expansion from these players, with some establishing manufacturing facilities in Southeast Asia to capitalize on lower production costs and proximity to raw material sources.

Government-affiliated entities such as NOAA Fisheries play a unique role in the competitive landscape, both as regulators and as collaborators in sustainable gear development projects. Their research partnerships with private manufacturers continue to yield innovations in bycatch reduction technologies - a critical differentiator in markets with strict environmental compliance requirements.

List of Key Longline Fishing Gear Manufacturers Profiled

• Oilwind (Norway)

• Morenot (Spain)

• Coastal Nets (U.S.)

• NOAA Fisheries (U.S.)

• Artisan Fisheries Consultants (UK)

• Seattle Marine & Fishing Supply (U.S.)

• HI-LINER FISHING GEAR & TACKLE (Canada)

• Linetec Korea Ind (South Korea)

• Sail Line Fish Ltd (New Zealand)

• Haesung Enterprise (South Korea)

• Lindgren-Pitman (U.S.)

LONGLINE FISHING GEARS MARKET TRENDS

Sustainability and Technological Advancements to Drive Market Growth

The longline fishing gears market is experiencing a significant transformation, driven by the global push toward sustainable fishing practices. With over 90 million tons of fish captured annually through industrial fishing methods, the industry faces increasing pressure to reduce bycatch and minimize environmental impact. Modern longline gear is being redesigned with materials that degrade naturally in marine environments, aligning with stringent regulations such as those implemented by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Additionally, innovations such as circle hooks, which reduce turtle bycatch by up to 80%, are gaining widespread adoption among commercial fisheries aiming for eco-certification.

Other Trends

Automation in Commercial Fishing

The integration of automation technologies, including GPS-enabled buoy systems and AI-driven baiting machines, is revolutionizing longline fishing operations. These advancements help optimize gear deployment, increase catch efficiency, and reduce labor costs. For instance, smart longline systems now allow real-time monitoring of gear depth and tension, significantly reducing gear loss—a major concern in deep-sea fisheries where annual losses account for nearly $250 million in replacement costs.

Expansion of Aquaculture and Offshore Fisheries

The rapid growth of offshore aquaculture farms is creating new opportunities for specialized longline gear manufacturers. Floating longline systems, which are used in shellfish and seaweed farming, are projected to grow at a CAGR of over 6% through 2032. Meanwhile, deepwater fisheries targeting high-value species like tuna and swordfish continue to dominate demand, contributing approximately 45% of the global longline gear market revenue. Governments in Asia-Pacific and Latin America are also investing in modernization programs to replace traditional gear with high-strength synthetic ropes and corrosion-resistant metals.

Regional Analysis: Longline Fishing Gears Market

North America
The North American longline fishing gears market is characterized by strict regulatory oversight to prevent overfishing and mitigate environmental impact. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) enforces stringent regulations on gear types and fishing practices, encouraging the adoption of sustainable and selective fishing equipment. The commercial fishing sector dominates demand, particularly in Alaska and the New England region, where hook-and-line fishing methods are prevalent. However, market growth faces constraints from increasing scrutiny of bycatch concerns and rising operational costs for fisheries adopting eco-friendly gear alternatives. Innovation in biodegradable materials and smart gear technology is gaining traction among manufacturers looking to comply with evolving standards.

Europe
Europe's market is shaped by the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), which emphasizes sustainable fishing practices and gear selectivity. Countries like Norway and Iceland lead in longline gear adoption for their robust cod and haddock fisheries. The region has seen a shift toward high-strength synthetic ropes and corrosion-resistant hooks to improve durability and reduce maintenance costs. However, declining fish stocks in the Mediterranean and North Sea have led to quotas that limit fleet expansion, indirectly affecting gear demand. Collaborative R&D efforts between manufacturers and research institutes aim to develop gear that minimizes seabird and marine mammal interactions, aligning with the EU’s biodiversity strategy.

Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific dominates global longline fishing gear consumption, driven by China, Japan, and Indonesia’s extensive offshore and deep-sea fishing operations. The region accounts for over 50% of global production volume, with cost-effective gear variants preferred by small-scale fisheries. China’s distant-water fishing fleet expansion has increased demand for industrial-grade longlines, though concerns over illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing persist. Meanwhile, Japan’s market focuses on high-precision tuna longlining gear, supported by advanced material engineering. Growing awareness of sustainable practices is gradually shifting preferences toward circle hooks and bird-scaring lines, particularly in Australia and New Zealand.

South America
South America’s market growth is tied to Peru and Chile’s industrial anchovy and swordfish fisheries, where longline use is supplementary to purse seining. Brazil’s coastal fleets employ smaller-scale longline operations, though infrastructure limitations hinder large-scale adoption. Regulatory frameworks vary widely, with Argentina implementing stricter bycatch mitigation rules compared to less monitored regions. Economic instability and fluctuating fuel prices often delay gear upgrades, but opportunities exist in Ecuador and Colombia’s emerging aquaculture-fed fisheries, which require specialized longline components for offshore installations.

Middle East & Africa
The region’s market remains niche, focused on coastal artisanal fisheries in Oman, South Africa, and Mauritius. Limited domestic manufacturing capacity results in reliance on imports, primarily from Asia. South Africa’s hake fishery represents a key demand center for deep-water longlines, while Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are investing in aquaculture longline systems to reduce reliance on wild catches. Challenges include inadequate cold chain infrastructure and low mechanization levels, though partnerships with international gear suppliers are gradually modernizing fleets in Morocco and Senegal.

Report Scope

This market research report offers a holistic overview of global and regional markets for the forecast period 2025–2032. It presents accurate and actionable insights based on a blend of primary and secondary research.

Key Coverage Areas:

• ✅ Market Overview

  • Global and regional market size (historical & forecast)

  • Growth trends and value/volume projections

• ✅ Segmentation Analysis

  • By product type or category

  • By application or usage area

  • By end-user industry

  • By distribution channel (if applicable)

• ✅ Regional Insights

  • North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa

  • Country-level data for key markets

• ✅ Competitive Landscape

  • Company profiles and market share analysis

  • Key strategies: M&A, partnerships, expansions

  • Product portfolio and pricing strategies

• ✅ Technology & Innovation

  • Emerging technologies and R&D trends

  • Automation, digitalization, sustainability initiatives

  • Impact of AI, IoT, or other disruptors (where applicable)

• ✅ Market Dynamics

  • Key drivers supporting market growth

  • Restraints and potential risk factors

  • Supply chain trends and challenges

• ✅ Opportunities & Recommendations

  • High-growth segments

  • Investment hotspots

  • Strategic suggestions for stakeholders

• ✅ Stakeholder Insights

  • Target audience includes manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, investors, regulators, and policymakers

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is the current market size of Global Longline Fishing Gears Market?

-> The Global Longline Fishing Gears market was valued at USD 145 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 214 million by 2032.

Which key companies operate in Global Longline Fishing Gears Market?

-> Key players include Oilwind, Morenot, Coastal Nets, NOAA Fisheries, Artisan Fisheries Consultants, Seattle Marine & Fishing Supply, HI-LINER FISHING GEAR & TACKLE, Linetec Korea Ind, Sail Line Fish Ltd, and Haesung Enterprise, among others.

What are the key growth drivers?

-> Key growth drivers include rising seafood demand, commercial fishing expansion, and technological advancements in fishing gear.

Which region dominates the market?

-> Asia-Pacific dominates the market due to extensive fishing activities, while North America shows significant growth potential.

What are the emerging trends?

-> Emerging trends include eco-friendly fishing gear, automated longline systems, and sustainable fishing practices.