Field tests of acoustic devices on groundfish gillnets: assessment of effectiveness in reducing harbour porpoise by-catch

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Citation: Lien, J., C. Hood, D. Pittman, P. Ruel, D. Borggaard, C. Chisholm, L. Wiesner, T. Mahon, and D. Mitchell, 1995. Field tests of acoustic devices on groundfish gillnets: assessment of effectiveness in reducing harbour porpoise by-catch. In: R.A. Kastelien, J.A. Thomas, and P.E. Nachtigall, eds. Sensory Systems of Aquatic Mammals, ps 349-364.
Publisher address: De Spil Publishers, Woerden, The Netherlands ISBN 90-72743-05-9
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Summary:

Gillnets equipped with acoustic pingers caught only one harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) compared to 42 caught in control nets off of New Hampshire, USA. Alarms sounds are above groundfish hearing and are not expected to affect fish catch.
Field Studies:
Location Fishing gear Reduction technique Bycatch species Effect on bycatch species Catch Effect on target catch Type
Gulf of Maine Gillnets Acoustic pingers Small Cetaceans (maximum length < 7.5 meters) Gillnets with pingers caught fewer porpoise Trout In the wild