Reduction of seal-induced catch and gear damage by modification of trap-net design: Design principles for a seal-safe trap net

Authors
Suuronen, P., A. Siira, T. Kauppinen, R. Riikonen, E. Lehtonen, and H. Harjunpaa
Year
Journal/Publisher Name
Fisheries Research
Volume (Issue #)
79
Page #s
129-138
Summary
A trap-net modification reduced seal-induced [Grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) and Ringed seal (Phoca hispida botnica)] catch and gear damage in the northern Baltic Sea trap-net fishery for salmon (Salmo salar) and whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus). Target catch remained the same or increased in four of five modified traps.

Field Studies

Reduction of seal-induced catch and gear damage by modification of trap-net design: Design principles for a seal-safe trap net

Study Type
Field study in the wild
Location
Baltic Sea
Target catch
Salmon and whitefish
Effect on bycatch species
Reduced interactions with gear
Effect on target catch
Target catch remained same or increased in 4 of 5 modified traps.
Bycatch species
Pinnipeds
Reduction technique
Trap-net modification
Fishing Gear
Traps