Novel tools to reduce seabird bycatch in coastal gillnet fisheries

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Citation: Melvin, E.F., J.K. Parrish, and L.L. Conquest, 1999. Novel tools to reduce seabird bycatch in coastal gillnet fisheries. Conservation Biology, 13(6), ps 1386-1397.
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Summary:

Acoustic pingers reduced the bycatch of the Common Murre (Uria aalge) in the Puget Sound salmon drift gillnet fishery, but they did not reduce bycatch of the rhinoceros auklet (Cerorhinca monocerata). Reduction of target species catch was not significant.

White gillnet mesh panels in the upper portion of the net reduce the bycatch of seabirds (Common Murres and Rhinoceros Auklet) in the Puget Sound salmon drift gillnet fishery. Rhinoceros Auklet bycatch was only reduced in 50-mesh visual alert nets. The white mesh panels decreased salmon catch in 50-mesh but not in 20-mesh.
Field Studies:
Location Fishing gear Reduction technique Bycatch species Effect on bycatch species Catch Effect on target catch Type
Washington State Gillnets Acoustic pingers Seabirds Variable depending on seabird species Salmon Reduction of target catch was not significant In the wild
Washington State Gillnets Opaque mesh netting Seabirds Reduced bycatch but results varied by mesh size Salmon Effect on target catch varied by mesh size In the wild