Experimental testing of acoustic alarms (pingers) to reduce bycatch of harbor porpoise, Phocoena phocoena, in the state of Washington

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Citation: Gearin, P.J., Gosho, M.E., Laake, J.L., Cooke, L., Delong, R.L. & Hughes, K.M., 2000. Experimental testing of acoustic alarms (pingers) to reduce bycatch of harbor porpoise, Phocoena phocoena, in the state of Washington. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management, 2(1), ps 1-9.
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Summary:

Pingers do not reduce bycatch of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) in the salmon and sturgeon gillnet fisheries in northern Washington state but do reduce bycatch of harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). Pingers did not affect catch of target species, chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and sturgeon (Acipenser sp.).
Field Studies:
Location Fishing gear Reduction technique Bycatch species Effect on bycatch species Catch Effect on target catch Type
Washington State Gillnets Acoustic pingers Pinnipeds Did not reduce seal bycatch Salmon & sturgeon Did not affect target catch In the wild
Washington State Gillnets Acoustic pingers Small Cetaceans (maximum length < 7.5 meters) Reduced harbor porpoise bycatch Salmon & sturgeon Did not affect target catch In the wild