Seabird longline bycatch reduction devices increase target catch while reducing bycatch: A meta-analysis

Authors
Avery, J.D., Aagaard, K., Burkhalter, J.C., and Robinson, O.J.
Year
Journal/Publisher Name
Journal for Nature Conservation
Volume (Issue #)
38
Page #s
37-45
Contact information
ojr7@cornell.edu
Summary

A meta-analysis of 15 papers examined the general impact of seabird BRD technology upon commercial longline fishing operations. Since there were relatively few papers with data suitable for meta-analysis, the researchers pooled studies with BRD-and fishery-related metrics included as covariates. The analysis found a small (9%) increase in target catch with BRD use in longline fisheries, while seabird bycatch was reduced by 89%. This pattern does not change with respect to geographic location or BRD type, indicating that efforts to reduce seabird bycatch are generally effective under different conditions.