Reduction of harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) bycatch by iron-oxide gillnets

Authors: 
Larsen, F., Eigaard, O.R. and J. Tougaard
Year: 
2007
Journal/Publisher Name: 
Fisheries Research
Volume/Issue #: 
85
Page #s: 
270-278
Harbour porpoise bycatch was significantly lower (p<0.01) in high-denisty Iron Oxide (IO) gill nets compared to control nets. There was no significant difference in the acoustic target strength of the IO and control nets, and both nets behaved similarly in flume tank tests. The authors conclude the reduction of harbour porpoise bycatch in the IO nets was a result of the mechanical properties of the nets.
Field Studies:
Location Fishing gear Reduction technique Bycatch species Effect on bycatch species Catch Effect on target catch Type
Danish North Sea Gillnets Metal oxide/barium sulfate nets Large Cetaceans (maximum length > 7.5 meters) Reduced harbour porpoise bycatch Cod Reduced by 30% In the wild