Square mesh panels (SMPs) have been proposed as a bycatch reduction measure that can increase the escape of non-target fish species without significantly changing the economic value of the catch. However, previous studies have found that SMPs do not significantly increase non-target fish escapes because there is a low probability of fish making contact with the panel.This study aimed to determine whether i) adding white LED lights at different positions of the SMP, ii) changing the size of the SMP, and iii) changing the position of the SMP in the trawl improved the release efficiency of a square mesh panel (SMP) installed at the top panel of the extension piece of the trawl. The study focused on reducing catch of undersized hake (Merluccius merluccius), a main target species for the Basque multispecies trawl fishery in the Bay of Biscay, and blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou), which is considered a “choke” species in the fishery (one with a low quota). The position of LED lights did not significantly affect the SMP’s release efficiency for any species. However, increasing panel size increased escapes of blue whiting, and placing the SMP in the lower net panel increased escapes of hake. These species-specific results highlight the challenge of simultaneously improving the selective properties of gear for species with different behavior, especially in mixed demersal fisheries.

This study examined the extent that eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus) and groundfishes escape trawls in response to artificial illumination. Using a double-rigged trawler, catch efficiencies were compared for ocean shrimp, eulachon, and groundfishes between an unilluminated trawl and a trawl illuminated with five green LEDs along its fishing line. Results showed a significant reduction in the bycatch of eulachon and yellowtail rockfish (Sebastes flavidus) in the presence of illumination. However, the illuminated trawl caught similarly or significantly more rockfish (Sebastes spp.) and flatfish than the unilluminated trawl.

The attractiveness of nine “bait” types were assessed ex situ on twelve wild-captured male diamondback terrapins in a commercial blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) pot fishery : no bait, chicken, shrimp, freshwater fish, presence of one female terrapin, presence of two female terrapins, presence of one male terrapin, presence of two male terrapins, and presence of one male terrapin and one female terrapin. Diamondback terrapin entrapment events increased in frequency over the course of the study period, suggesting that repeated exposure to the crab pots increased an individual’s likelihood of entering a pot. Consumable baits had the greatest effect on terrapin entrapment, relative to the presence of conspecifics and non-baited crab pots. However, further study is needed to determine if there is a type of bait that is more attractive to crabs, but not to terrapins. Use of a combination of conservation measures, including BRDs, spatial and temporal crabbing closures, and changes in bait type, remain the most likely to be successful option in protecting terrapin populations.

The study tested the use of a modified turtle exluder device (TED) - using substantially reduced grill spacing - in order to reduce elasmobranch bycatch in the Guyanese seabob shrimp fishery. The use of the modified TED resulted in a significant reduction (by 40%) of the bycatch rate of elasmobranchs. The TED also was highly effective in reducing the capture of three "Near Threatened" ray species. However, the TED preferentially released larger-sized individuals, meaning that smaller-sized individuals and species, including the "Critically Endangered" Bancroft's numbfish, were still captured by the trawl. Since the modified TED was generally successful in reducing important elements of elasmobranch bycatch, future study will extend the study to determine the impact of the TED on the capture rate of the target seabob shrimp.