Unanswered Forum Topics

Entanglements of large cetaceans in fishing gear that occurred off the coast of Peru between 1992 and 2012 were catalogued. Direct observations, local news and online graphical evidence was used to identify any entanglements. A total of 15 confirmed entanglements were identified. The species involved in these entanglements included humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) and Antarctic minke whale (Balaneoptera bonaerensis). The most common entanglements occurred in gillnets, followed by longlines.

This is a comprehensive, critical overview of studies on the use of electrotrawling in the North Sea. Electrotrawling, involves replacing the tickler chains or bobbins with electrical stimulation. The result is reduced contact with bottom habitats, reduced fuel costs and reduced discards. An overview on the current status and implementation of this technique in flatfish, shrimp and razor clam fisheries is provided. In terms of the flatfish fisheries, while electrotrawling is a promising alternative, potential negative impacts (i.e.