Permanent magnets reduce bycatch of benthic sharks in an ocean trap fishery

Authors: 

Richards, R.J., Raoult, V., Powter, D.M. and Gaston, T.F.

Year: 

2018

Journal/Publisher Name: 

Fisheries Research

Volume (Issue #): 

208

Page #s: 

16-21

Contact information: 

School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Summary: 

The potential benefits of permanent magnets on ocean fish traps targeting snapper (Pagrus auratus) and their abiliy to reduce elasmobranch bycatch. The study deployed over 1000 traps in a fishery-dependent survey in New South Whales, Australia. The incorporation of magnets into fish traps significantly reduced incidences of elasmobranch bycatch by more than a thrid. At the same time, the target species catch rate was significantly increased. Magnets can therefore be used as an effective bycatch reduction device to reduce interactions with elasmobranchs.

Link: 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165783618301966

Field Studies

Location Fishing Gear Reduction Technique Bycatch Species Effect on Bycatch Species Catch Effect on Target Catch Type Link to edit content
New South Whales, Australia Traps Electromagnetic deterrents Elasmobranchs Significantly reduced interactions with elasmobranchs Snapper Increased target catch rates Field study in the wild