maximios

In the absence of direct observations of entanglement events involving baleen whales, the goal of this project is to better understand the dynamics of rope entanglements using computer models. Dr. Laurens Howle is creating a whale entanglement modeling system as an aid to understanding how whale behaviors and the interaction of gear and whales in […]

Gilman, E., C. Boggs, and N. Brothers. Ocean and Coastal Management Underwater setting chutes reduce bycatch of seabirds–Laysan (Phoebastria immutabilis) and Black-footed (P. nigripes) albatrosses–in the Hawaiian longline tuna fishery. The underwater setting techniques increased bait retention.

See global map of acoustic deterrent studies Tim Werner, Bycatch Consortium and NEAq US National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of International Affairs US National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of International Affairs Fishing Gear Modifications

Brewer, D., Heales, D., Milton, D., Dell, Q., Fry, G., Venables, B., Jones, P. +61 7 3826 7200 [email protected] The catches from five experimental trawls (TED + fisheye BRD, upward facing TED, downward facing TED, bigeye BRD and square-mesh panel BRD) were compared to those of the standard twin Florida Flyer prawn trawl. Nets with […]

Duke University scientists have been working with longline fishermen within the Cape Hatteras Special Research Area (CHSRA) to study pilot whale (Globicephala spp.) interactions with the longline fishery. Their initial findings were that short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) are the main species that interact with longline vessels during the fall season, that interactions within this […]

Cuende, E., Arregi, L., Herrmann, B., Sistiaga, M. B., & Basterretxea, M. Elsa Cuende: AZTI-Tecnalia, Marine Research Division, Txatxarramendi ugartea w/n, Sukarrieta, 48395, Spain. E-mail: [email protected] Square mesh panels (SMPs) have been proposed as a bycatch reduction measure that can increase the escape of non-target fish species without significantly changing the economic value of the […]

Pacheco, J.C., Kerstetter, D.W., Hazin, F.H., Hazin, H., Segundo, R.S.S.L., Graves, J.E., Carvalho, F. and Travassos, P.E. The effect of circle hooks and J-style hooks on the catch composition, catch rates, hooking location and status of release of target and bycatch species were compared on pelagic longline vessels.  There were significant differences in catch rates […]

The North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), a species restricted to the coastal northwest Atlantic, numbers fewer than 409 individuals and has been declining since 2010 (Pace et al. 2017; Pettis et al. 2019, in prep.). Entanglement in fishing gear, especially in fixed gear like pots and gillnets, is the leading cause of human-induced mortality and […]

Entanglement in commercial fishing ropes threatens the recovery of the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), a species largely restricted to waters off of eastern North America. In recent years, serious entanglements have been increasing, and mortality from conflicts with fishing operations exceeds US legal mandates, with 83% of the population showing incidence of scarring […]

The Maine Lobstermen’s Community Association and the Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction worked with lobstermen in the Gulf of Maine to document the range of fixed-gear lobster fishing methods for the first time. The publication provides new data and illustrations on how lobster trap gear is configured and deployed by season and location. It fills […]

The Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction was founded in 2004 by Duke University, Maine Lobstermen’s Association, New England Aquarium, and University of New Hampshire. Blue Water Fishermen’s Association joined the Consortium shortly thereafter. Administered by Dr. Timothy Werner of OAI Consulting and UMASS-Boston, the Consortium supports collaborative research between scientists and the fishing industry to identify practical […]

Winn, J.P., Woodward, B.L., Moore, M.J., Peterson, M.L. and J.G. Riley BECKY L. WOODWARD Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04469, U.S.A. E-mail: woodward [email protected] Two test systems were developed to examine fishing line entanglement injuries in large whales. The systems evaluated straight pull abrasion and oscillatory abrasion in relation to tissue compliance. […]

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The Consortium is testing whether ropes that have greater stiffness or fish under greater tension may be effective for reducing entanglements.  The stiffness or tension would reduce the ability of the rope to bend, allowing animals to slide off any rope encountered.  The Consortium is measuring rope tension under different environmental conditions and studying the […]