A field experiment using acoustic alarms (pingers) to reduce harbour porpoise by-catch in bottom-set gillnets

Authors
Carlstrom, J., P. Berggren, F. Dinnetz, and P. Borjesson
Year
Journal/Publisher Name
ICES Journal of Marine Science
Volume (Issue #)
59
Page #s
816-824
Summary
Pingers were tested to reduce harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) bycatch in bottom-set gillnets in the Swedish Skagerrak Sea. During the experiment, no harbour porpoise were caught in control or experimental gillnets, possibly as a result of a combination of factors including displacement of porpoise, high prey availability in other areas, or pingers acting as passive reflectors. Pingers did not affect the catch of target species, including cod and pollock.