Reduction of seal-induced catch and gear damage by modification of trap-net design: Design principles for a seal-safe trap net

A trap-net modification reduced seal-induced [Grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) and Ringed seal (Phoca hispida botnica)] catch and gear damage in the northern Baltic Sea trap-net fishery for salmon (Salmo salar) and whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus). Target catch remained the same or increased in four of five modified traps.
Field Studies:

Location	Fishing gear	Reduction technique	Bycatch species	Effect on bycatch species	Catch	Effect on target catch	Type
Baltic Sea	Traps	Trap-net modification	Pinnipeds	Reduced interactions with gear	Salmon and whitefish	Target catch remained same or increased in 4 of 5 modified traps.	In the wild