Nylon barium sulphate gillnet reduces porpoise and seabird mortality

Authors
Trippel, E.A., N.L. Holy, D.L. Palka, T.D. Shepherd, G.D. Melvin, and J.M. Terhune
Year
Journal/Publisher Name
Marine Mammal Science
Volume (Issue #)
19(1)
Page #s
240-243
Summary
Metal oxide nets containing barium sulphate (that increased their acoustic reflectivity and probably also their stiffness) reduced the bycatch of harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in an eastern Canada demersal gillnet fishery. No difference in catch of commercial fish species, including cod, pollock, haddock, and spiny dogfish, was observed between the nylon and barium sulphate nets. Metal oxide nets reduced the bycatch of greater shearwater (Puffinus gravis) in an eastern Canada demersal gillnet fishery, probably by increasing the visibility of the blue-dyed nets to the birds.

Field Studies

Nylon barium sulphate gillnet reduces porpoise and seabird mortality

Study Type
Field study in the wild
Location
Canada
Target catch
Multiple species
Effect on bycatch species
Reduced harbor porpoise bycatch
Effect on target catch
No difference in catch
Reduction technique
Fishing Gear