Unanswered Forum Topics

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.