Active Forum Topics

This field study evaluated the use of green LED handline modifications (visual deterrent) on Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) gillnets to reduce bycatch of wolffish. Experiments were performed on three separate commercial fishing vessels in Mission Bay, Canada between September and November 2020, and experimental LED lights were applied to vessels rather than individual lines. There was no significant impact of the lights to either target catch or bycatch, but limited statistical analyses suggest that the use of green LED lights did reduce bycatch of Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichus lupus).

This study compiled data from National and Regional Plans of Action (POAs) and Regional Fishery Management Organizations (RFMOs) to investigate whether commercial fisheries practice the release of live sharks and rays caught as bycatch. Results indicate that onboard releases are cited in some POAs and RFMO recommendations, the measure has only voluntary adherence and is not considered priority. The authors call for a change in the perception of live elasmobranch releases as a conservation strategy.

The present study was designed to incorporate stakeholder input and fisher expertise in the design of mobulid (mantas and devil rays) bycatch technology in large-scale tuna purse seine fisheries operating in the EPO (Eastern Pacific Ocean). Surveys and focus groups of fishers suggested that the primary obstacles to mitigating mobulid bycatch are 1) inability to sight them before capture, 2) lack of appropriate response equipment on board, and 3) the difficulty of releasing large individuals. Many suggestions were made for both pre-capture and post-capture bycatch mitigation strategies.

The present study was designed to incorporate stakeholder input and fisher expertise in the design of mobulid (mantas and devil rays) bycatch technology in large-scale tuna purse seine fisheries operating in the EPO (Eastern Pacific Ocean). Surveys and focus groups of fishers suggested that the primary obstacles to mitigating mobulid bycatch are 1) inability to sight them before capture, 2) lack of appropriate response equipment on board, and 3) the difficulty of releasing large individuals. Many suggestions were made for both pre-capture and post-capture bycatch mitigation strategies.

The present study was designed to incorporate stakeholder input and fisher expertise in the design of mobulid (mantas and devil rays) bycatch technology in large-scale tuna purse seine fisheries operating in the EPO (Eastern Pacific Ocean). Surveys and focus groups of fishers suggested that the primary obstacles to mitigating mobulid bycatch are 1) inability to sight them before capture, 2) lack of appropriate response equipment on board, and 3) the difficulty of releasing large individuals. Many suggestions were made for both pre-capture and post-capture bycatch mitigation strategies.

The present study was designed to incorporate stakeholder input and fisher expertise in the design of mobulid (mantas and devil rays) bycatch technology in large-scale tuna purse seine fisheries operating in the EPO (Eastern Pacific Ocean). Surveys and focus groups of fishers suggested that the primary obstacles to mitigating mobulid bycatch are 1) inability to sight them before capture, 2) lack of appropriate response equipment on board, and 3) the difficulty of releasing large individuals. Many suggestions were made for both pre-capture and post-capture bycatch mitigation strategies.

The present study was designed to incorporate stakeholder input and fisher expertise in the design of mobulid (mantas and devil rays) bycatch technology in large-scale tuna purse seine fisheries operating in the EPO (Eastern Pacific Ocean). Surveys and focus groups of fishers suggested that the primary obstacles to mitigating mobulid bycatch are 1) inability to sight them before capture, 2) lack of appropriate response equipment on board, and 3) the difficulty of releasing large individuals. Many suggestions were made for both pre-capture and post-capture bycatch mitigation strategies.

This study trialed the use of  on-demand, acoustic recovery systems/ on-demand gear (ODGs) as an alternative to vertical buoy lines (VBLs) to reduce North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) entanglement risk in commercial lobster and crap trap fisheries in offshore New England. Trials occurred between 2020 and 2023, and 5,798 hauls were completed using 10 different ODG prototypes.

This study investigated harbor porpoise bycatch in bottom gillnets and trammel nets targeting turbot (Scophthalmus spp.) in the Black Sea between 2019-2021 via independent observers, questionnaires and stranding data. Cetaceans were caught on 55% of trips, and most were harbour porpoises. The study confirmed that bycatch is the most serious and immediate threat to the Black Sea harbour porpoises, with as many as 16,200 individuals caught annually. 

This study investigated harbor porpoise bycatch in bottom gillnets and trammel nets targeting turbot (Scophthalmus spp.) in the Black Sea between 2019-2021 via independent observers, questionnaires and stranding data. Cetaceans were caught on 55% of trips, and most were harbour porpoises. The study confirmed that bycatch is the most serious and immediate threat to the Black Sea harbour porpoises, with as many as 16,200 individuals caught annually. 

This study investigated harbor porpoise bycatch in bottom gillnets and trammel nets targeting turbot (Scophthalmus spp.) in the Black Sea between 2019-2021 via independent observers, questionnaires and stranding data. Cetaceans were caught on 55% of trips, and most were harbour porpoises. The study confirmed that bycatch is the most serious and immediate threat to the Black Sea harbour porpoises, with as many as 16,200 individuals caught annually. 

This study investigated harbor porpoise bycatch in bottom gillnets and trammel nets targeting turbot (Scophthalmus spp.) in the Black Sea between 2019-2021 via independent observers, questionnaires and stranding data. Cetaceans were caught on 55% of trips, and most were harbour porpoises. The study confirmed that bycatch is the most serious and immediate threat to the Black Sea harbour porpoises, with as many as 16,200 individuals caught annually. 

This study investigated harbor porpoise bycatch in bottom gillnets and trammel nets targeting turbot (Scophthalmus spp.) in the Black Sea between 2019-2021 via independent observers, questionnaires and stranding data. Cetaceans were caught on 55% of trips, and most were harbour porpoises. The study confirmed that bycatch is the most serious and immediate threat to the Black Sea harbour porpoises, with as many as 16,200 individuals caught annually. 

This study investigated harbor porpoise bycatch in bottom gillnets and trammel nets targeting turbot (Scophthalmus spp.) in the Black Sea between 2019-2021 via independent observers, questionnaires and stranding data. Cetaceans were caught on 55% of trips, and most were harbour porpoises. The study confirmed that bycatch is the most serious and immediate threat to the Black Sea harbour porpoises, with as many as 16,200 individuals caught annually. 

This study experimented with the use of Looming-Eye Buoys (LEBs) attached to gillnets in the Icelandic lumpfish fishery to reduce seabird bycatch, and experiments took place in spring 2022. LEBs are intended to be a visual deterrent that mimics a predator's eyes. The LEBs did not have a significant impact on target catch or bycatch, but results suggest a strong correlation between seabird bycatch and depth; the authors estimate that limiting fishing to waters below 50m deep could save between 5000 and 9300 seabirds every year.

This study experimented with the use of Looming-Eye Buoys (LEBs) attached to gillnets in the Icelandic lumpfish fishery to reduce seabird bycatch, and experiments took place in spring 2022. LEBs are intended to be a visual deterrent that mimics a predator's eyes. The LEBs did not have a significant impact on target catch or bycatch, but results suggest a strong correlation between seabird bycatch and depth; the authors estimate that limiting fishing to waters below 50m deep could save between 5000 and 9300 seabirds every year.

This study experimented with the use of Looming-Eye Buoys (LEBs) attached to gillnets in the Icelandic lumpfish fishery to reduce seabird bycatch, and experiments took place in spring 2022. LEBs are intended to be a visual deterrent that mimics a predator's eyes. The LEBs did not have a significant impact on target catch or bycatch, but results suggest a strong correlation between seabird bycatch and depth; the authors estimate that limiting fishing to waters below 50m deep could save between 5000 and 9300 seabirds every year.

This study experimented with the use of Looming-Eye Buoys (LEBs) attached to gillnets in the Icelandic lumpfish fishery to reduce seabird bycatch, and experiments took place in spring 2022. LEBs are intended to be a visual deterrent that mimics a predator's eyes. The LEBs did not have a significant impact on target catch or bycatch, but results suggest a strong correlation between seabird bycatch and depth; the authors estimate that limiting fishing to waters below 50m deep could save between 5000 and 9300 seabirds every year.

This study experimented with the use of Looming-Eye Buoys (LEBs) attached to gillnets in the Icelandic lumpfish fishery to reduce seabird bycatch, and experiments took place in spring 2022. LEBs are intended to be a visual deterrent that mimics a predator's eyes. The LEBs did not have a significant impact on target catch or bycatch, but results suggest a strong correlation between seabird bycatch and depth; the authors estimate that limiting fishing to waters below 50m deep could save between 5000 and 9300 seabirds every year.

This study investigated bycatch events in the northern South China Sea through interviews of fishers. The majority of interviewed fishers reported an estimated 7,464 annual bycatch events, with sea turtles encountered most commonly followed by Indo-Pacific finless porpoises, whale sharks, and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. The gear most associated with bycatch were gillnets, trawl nets, and seine nets. Modeling suggests that bycatch may be influenced by distance from the coast and water depth for marine mammals and sea turtles, but by administrative region for whale sharks.