maximios

Metal oxide nets made from barium sulphate increased the detectability of gillnets by marine mammals when compared to nylon nets when approached at angles of incidence greater than normal incidence but less than 40 degrees. Hypothesized detection ranges indicate bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) should be able to detect metal oxide nets in time to avoid […]

The white-chinned petrel is the most common avian bycatch species in the Southern Ocean (Weimerskirch et al 1999; Gilman 2006; Robertson et al 2006; Birdlife International 2013). The high bycatch rate is due to seabirds, such as petrels, being attracted to pelagic and demersal longlines by bait and offal discarded from vessels (Gilman 2006; Bugoni […]

This study recorded and analyzed vocalizations of green sea turtles off the Carribbean island of Martinique, and identified which sounds seemed to be linked to flight, fear, and social aspects. When these recordings of sea turtles were played to wild sea turtles, they demonstrated behavioral responses (vigilance and/or escape) to the sounds they produce, suggesting […]

Although it is believed that the harbor porpoise population is not seriously in danger at present, incidental catch of the species in gillnets continues to be the primary threat throughout its range (Hammond et al 2008). Off the eastern coast of the US, an estimated 1200 to 2900 harbor porpoises were killed annually in gillnets […]

The worldwide decline in leatherback turtles has been caused, in part, by bycatch in fisheries. Leatherback turtles most often entangled or hooked externally in pelagic longline fisheries (Garrison 2003), but are capable of swimming to the surface to breathe (Witzell and Cramer 1995).  Although not all incidental captures lead to mortality, the number of leatherbacks […]

Data from the Northwest Atlantic suggests that the thorny skate began declining in the early 1980s and accelerated in the early 1990s (Burgess et al 2005). In US waters, dredging for scallops also poses a risk (Packer et al 2003). Additionally, a targeted fishery for the species emerged in Canada in order to meet a […]

CETACEAN BYCATCH MITIGATION COORDINATOR The IWC is seeking a Bycatch Coordinator to coordinate and implement the programme of work for the Bycatch Mitigation Initiative (BMI). The Coordinator will provide advice to the Commission, exchange information and liaise with other inter-governmental organisations, and support governments in addressing the complex issues and challenges relating to bycatch and […]

The main threat to the franciscana is bycatch in gillnet fisheries in its native coastal waters of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.    Mid-coastal Brazil south to mid-coastal Argentina View other Featured Species >>

Final Ghana project report: 2023 Global Marine Mammal Bycatch Solutions Partners: Friends of the Nation, Partners: University of Cape Coast Final Report under the Global Solutions for Marine Mammal Bycatch project Partners: Oregon State University Final Report under the Global Solutions for Marine Mammal Bycatch project Partners: Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata – CONICET […]

Bycatch of pilot whales (short-finned) occurs in the pelagic longline fisheries targeting swordfish, tuna, and shark in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic.  There are also records of pilot whales (long and short-finned) being taken in gillnet, trawl, and purse seine fisheries. “Whale-safe” hooks are being tested in the longline fishery that aim to reduce pilot whale bycatch by allowing […]

Corals, Sponges, and Other Benthic Invertebrates Non-target benthic invertebrates are caught as bycatch in huge volumes, but precise numbers are not available. Bottom trawls, dredges, gillnets Variable, but largely unknown Wordwide, in suitable habitats View other Featured Species >>

Gillnet fisheries pose the greatest threat to the vaquita population. Current bycatch estimates are unavailable, but in the early 1990s an estimated 39 to 84 individuals were caught by fishermen from one town (D’Agrosa et al 2000).  In 2014, CIRVA reported that probably only 100 individuals remain of this species, and the population was projected to […]

A dredge consists of a metal mesh bag held open by a frame. This type of gear is dragged along the seafloor to collect bottom-dwelling organism; shellfish are particularly targeted. Some dredges have teeth or rakes that penetrate the sediment and remove large infauna. Multiple dredges can be use simultaneously via a connecting beam system.  […]

Pingers reduce bycatch of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in the California drift gillnet fishery for swordfish and sharks. Catch of target fish species (broadbill swordfish, common thresher shark, and shortfin mako shark) and non-target species were not affected by pinger use.