Active Forum Topics

Field Study 574

Study Type
Field study in the wild
Location
northwest Pacific Ocean
Target catch
Pelagic species
Effect on bycatch species
None reported
Effect on target catch
There were no significant differences in catch rates between hook types but squid bait caught significantly more blue and silky sharks and dolphinfish.
Reduction technique
Circle hooks
Fishing Gear
Hooks-and-Lines

Mitigating Seal Interactions in the SRLF and the Gillnet Sector SESSF in South Australia

Submitted by goldsworthy on

Bycatch of Australian sea lions in rock lobster and shark gillnet fisheries is a key threat to the species. This report outlines and assesses methods for mitigating bycatch in these fisheries in South Australia. Gear modification was considered in the rock lobster fishery and spatial closures in the shark gillnet fishery. Spikes of different heights were tested to deter sea lions from entering rock lobster pots. Entry success significantly decreased with spikes extending high up into the collar (70 mm + from base) compared to other treatment and control pots. 

Read More

Northeast Regional Collaborative Research Conference

Date

We will be at the Northeast Consortium's conference in Portsmouth, NH to learn about the sucess of collaborative research projects in the region. The Maine Lobstermen's Association (MLA) will be presenting a talk entitled, Documenting lobster gear configurations in the Gulf of Maine to help large whales, a project done in collaboration with the Bycatch Consortium. 

Annual Meeting of the North Atlantic Right Whale Research Consortium

Date

We will be participating in the Annual Meeting of the North Atlantic Right Whale Research Consortium at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The Consortium's mission is to "hold annual meetings at which research, new techniques, management strategies, and other facets of right whale conservation are shared and discussed".

See the agenda.

 

 

 

Effectiveness of a square-mesh escape panel in reducing finfish bycatch in a small-mesh bottom trawl used in the longfin inshore squid (Loligo pealeii) fishery

Submitted by morgaac on

A parallel haul method was used to determine the effectiveness of a square-mesh escape panel, installed in a bottom trawl, in reducing the bycatch of scup and other finfish bycatch species during the winter.  The square-mesh escape panel reduced the average catches of scup by 78% and 79% and catches of black sea bass by 69% and 75% in weight and numbers respectively.  The square-mesh escape panel was also effective in reducing catches of sublegal-size scup and black sea bass by 17% and 20% in weight and numbers respectively.  However, catches of the target species, longfin sq

Read More

Field Study 586

Study Type
Field study in the wild
Location
Mid Atlantic Bight
Target catch
Longfin squid
Effect on bycatch species
The square-mesh escape panel significantly reduced the average catches of scup and black sea bass. The panel also reduced catches of sublegal-size scup and black sea bass.
Effect on target catch
Longfin squid catch was reduced by 88% and 84% in numbers and weight respectively.
Bycatch species
Bony Fishes
Reduction technique
Excluder devices
Fishing Gear
Trawls

Field Study 586

Study Type
Field study in the wild
Location
Mid Atlantic Bight
Target catch
Longfin squid
Effect on bycatch species
The square-mesh escape panel significantly reduced the average catches of scup and black sea bass. The panel also reduced catches of sublegal-size scup and black sea bass.
Effect on target catch
Longfin squid catch was reduced by 88% and 84% in numbers and weight respectively.
Bycatch species
Bony Fishes
Reduction technique
Excluder devices
Fishing Gear
Trawls

Field Study 586

Study Type
Field study in the wild
Location
Mid Atlantic Bight
Target catch
Longfin squid
Effect on bycatch species
The square-mesh escape panel significantly reduced the average catches of scup and black sea bass. The panel also reduced catches of sublegal-size scup and black sea bass.
Effect on target catch
Longfin squid catch was reduced by 88% and 84% in numbers and weight respectively.
Bycatch species
Bony Fishes
Reduction technique
Excluder devices
Fishing Gear
Trawls

The repulsive and feeding-deterrent effects of electropositive metals on juvenile sandbar sharks (Carcharhinus plumbeus)

Submitted by morgaac on

Tests with captive, as well as wild, juvenile sandbar sharks were undertaken to determine the effectiveness of electropositive metals in reducing the interactions with longline gear.  Electropositive metals deterred feeding in groups of captive juvenile sharks, for a short period of time, and altered the swimming patterns of individuals when food motivation was not present.  In the field, electropositive metals placed within 10 cm of the bottom longline hooks reduced the catch of sandbar sharks by around two thirds, compared to the catch on hooks with a placebo.

Read More

Subscribe to Active Forum Topics