Analysis and mitigation of cetacean bycatch in UK fisheries

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Citation: Northridge, S., D. Sanderson, A. Mackay, and P. Hammond, 2003. Analysis and mitigation of cetacean bycatch in UK fisheries. Final Report to DEFRA, Project MF0726.
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Link: http://randd.defra.gov.uk/Document.aspx
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Summary:

Acoustic pingers placed in the rear of a pair trawl net in the United Kingdom bass pair trawl fishery did not reduce bycatch of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis).
Multi-monofilament net, placed in the North Sea and West of Scotland gillnet fisheries, had no significant impact on harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) bycatch when compared to traditional monofilament net.

Thin twine monofilament nets (.4mm twine diameter, 90 mm mesh size) reduced bycatch of harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and seals in the North Sea and West of Scotland gillnet fisheries when compared to thick (.6mm twine diameter, 267 mm mesh size) monofilament nets.

Barium sulphate nets had higher bycatch of harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and seals in the North Sea and West of Scotland gillnet fisheries when compared to traditional gillnets.
Field Studies:
Location Fishing gear Reduction technique Bycatch species Effect on bycatch species Catch Effect on target catch Type
United Kingdom Trawls Acoustic pingers Small Cetaceans (maximum length < 7.5 meters) Did not reduce bycatch Bass In the wild
Scotland Gillnets Thin twine nets Small Cetaceans (maximum length < 7.5 meters) Did not reduce bycatch Trout In the wild
Scotland Gillnets Thin twine nets Small Cetaceans (maximum length < 7.5 meters) Reduced bycatch Trout In the wild
Scotland Gillnets Thin twine nets Pinnipeds Reduced bycatch Scallop In the wild
Scotland Gillnets Metal oxide/barium sulfate nets Small Cetaceans (maximum length < 7.5 meters) Increased bycatch Trout In the wild
Scotland Gillnets Metal oxide/barium sulfate nets Pinnipeds Increased bycatch Scallop In the wild