Altering gillnet soak duration and timing minimizes bycatch and maintains target catch

Authors
Collins, S.M., Blackmore, R.J., Lamarre, J., Spiegel, C.S. and Montevecchi, W.A.
Year
Journal/Publisher Name
PloS one
Volume (Issue #)
20(6)
Page #s
18
Contact information
Sydney M. Collins, Departments of Biology and Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada- smcollins@mun.ca
Summary

The authors tested bycatch rates in various soak times and durations  in shallow-set gillnets in the Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) bait fishery in Canada. Nearly all bycatch, including seabird, occurred during control (24+ hour) sets as opposed to short  (12 hour) daytime or overnight sets. Because seabirds associated with fishing vessels during the daytime, the authors recommend that fishers set overnight and haul nets in the early morning to minimize seabird bycatch risk. 

 

Link
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0325725

Field Studies

Altering gillnet soak duration and timing minimizes bycatch and maintains target catch

Study Type
Field study in the wild
Location
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Target catch
Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus)
Effect on bycatch species
no bycatch in short (12 hour) sets
Effect on target catch
significantly lower during short day sets, but no difference between 24+ hour sets and short night set
Reduction technique
Decreased soak time
Short sets
Fishing Gear
Gillnets