Summary
This study investigated the use of two new elasmobranch bycatch reducing devices in a Mediterranean multispecies bottom trawl fishery- the shark excluder device (SED) and a flexible grid (Flexgrid). The SED was effective in reducing elasmobranch bycatch and did not impact mantis shrimp (Squilla mantis) target catch, but did reduce catch for some large bony fish species. The results from the Flexgrid were limited due to small sample size, but there was no impact on catch of main target species although a shark was incidentally caught. SED and Flexgrid could be combined with other conservation measures such as seasonal fishing closures to mitigate elasmobranch bycatch.