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

Authors: 

Suuronen, P., A. Siira, T. Kauppinen, R. Riikonen, E. Lehtonen, and H. Harjunpaa

Year: 

2006

Journal/Publisher Name: 

Fisheries Research

Volume (Issue #): 

79

Page #s: 

129-138
Summary: 
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 Edit link
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. Field study in the wild