The effectiveness of bycatch reduction devices on crab pots at reducing capture and mortality of diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) in Florida

Authors:

Butler, J.A., Heinrich, G.L.

Year:

2007

Journal/Publisher Name:

Estuaries and Coasts

Volume (Issue #):

30/1

Page #s:

179-185

Contact information:

jbutler@unf.edu 904 602-3885

Summary:

This study determined that 73.2% of diamondback terrapins could have been prevented from entering crab pots if bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) had been used. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the sex, size or number of crabs in pots fitted with BRDs.

Field Studies

Location	Fishing Gear	Reduction Technique	Bycatch Species	Effect on Bycatch Species	Catch	Effect on Target Catch	Type	Edit link
Florida	Traps	Trap guards (T-bars, otter guards)	Terrapins	The use of bycatch reduction devices would reduce incidental capture of diamondback terrapins	Blue crabs	No effect on the size, sex or number of crabs caught	Field study in the wild