Reducing bycatch in gillnets: A sensory ecology perspective

Authors
Martin, G.R. and Crawford, R.
Year
Journal/Publisher Name
Global Ecology and Conservation
Volume (Issue #)
3
Page #s
28-50
Contact information
g.r.martin@bham.ac.uk; Rory.Crawford@rspb.org.uk
Summary

This article reviewed bycatch mitigation methods that rely on sensory ecology to reduce interactions with sea birds, sea turtles, pinnipeds and blue-water fish. Panels containing patterns of low spatial frequency and high internal contrast can be used for all of these species. These panels are not likely to reduce catches of target species and are easy and inexpensive to apply. The authors suggest that sound signals on gillnets are not recommended for most bycatch species, excpet for cetaceans. Cetaceans require both visual cues and warning through echolocation.