Active Forum Topics
Post-release mortality of deep-sea sharks
An assessment of post-release mortality for a commonly discarded deep-sea isopod (Bathynomus giganteus) using reflex impairment
Estimates of post-release mortality (PRM) rates for discarded bycatch are largely unknown across marine fisheries and represent a substantial source of uncertainty when estimating total fishery mortality. One way to predict PRM is through the use of reflex action mortality predictors (RAMP), whereby the presence or absence of target reflexes and known post-release fate are used to create a delayed mortality model.
Post-release mortality of deep-sea bycatch species
Post-release mortality of deep-sea bycatch species
Research Projects
Starter topic for testing.
Consortium Director interviewed by the CBC
A recent article by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation covered proposed measures by the Canadian Government to mitigate deaths to right whales from fishing gear entanglement. In the article, Consortium Director Tim Werner discussed the prospect of ropeless fishing, in which surface lines and buoys might be submerged near the seafloor with crab, lobster, or fish traps to reduce entanglement risk.
Here is a link to the full article, which ran on February 19, 2018: "Canada to introduce mandatory reporting of whale interactions this year"
New topic test
What kind of gear ?
Overcoming Development, Regulatory and Funding Challenges for Rope-less Fishing in the U.S. and Canada
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Bycatch Reduction and Mitigation Resources
Bycatch reduction and mitigation is a priority of the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium. In 2005, the Aquarium helped found the Consortium to reduce bycatch in threatened non-target animals. There are many other groups working on this as well. Some of these are listed here.
North Atlantic Right Whale Fishing Gear Entanglements - Case Studies
FAO Workshop on Marine Mammal Bycatch Prevention
FAO Workshop on Means and Methods for Reducing Marine Mammal Mortality in Fishing and Aquaculture Operations
Rome, Italy
International Marine Mammal - Gillnet Bycatch Mitigation Workshop
Fisheries bycatch is the principal threat to many marine mammals. In some cases, bycatch reduction devices have been shown to mitigate the bycatch of non-target species, but the scale of the problem outpaces progress in finding solutions.
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International Marine Mammal - Longline Bycatch Mitigation Workshop
Mortality from longline bycatch threatens marine mammal species and populations such as the false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) in the insular Hawaiian Islands, and Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) and pilot whales (Globicephala spp.) in the Northwest Atlantic. Fishermen also lose valuable target catch due to marine mammal depredation, and as a result, may face fishing restrictions that affect their bottom line.
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Large Whale Entanglement Mitigation Resources Page
Under Construction -
check back soon
Whale Entanglements in Fishing Gear
Whale Release Rope
Whale Entanglements in Fishing Gear
Whale Release Rope
Whale-release rope
We are seeking proposals to develop a 3/8” diameter endline with 1700lb virgin breaking strength that is comparable to those currently used in northwest Atlantic lobster pot fisheries.
Expression of Interest
We are seeking proposals to develop a 3/8” diameter endline with 1700lb virgin breaking strength that is comparable to those currently used in northwest Atlantic lobster pot fisheries. The concept is to use a rope that is practical for many pot fisheries while facilitating escape should whales come into contact with them. Innovative “whale-release” ropes should be developed according to the specifications provided below.
Acoustic Deterrents (Marine Mammals)
Most bycatch reduction techniques so far implemented around the world have been in commercial fisheries within developed countries, which have relatively strong regulatory and enforcement capacity, and that generally can absorb increased expenses or reduced revenue from regulated modifications to fishing methods.