Artificial light reduces elasmobranch bycatch in gillnets across multiple wavelengths and taxonomic groups.

Authors
Burgher KM, Wang J, Barkan J, Swimmer Y, Senko, JF
Year
Journal/Publisher Name
Biological Conservation
Volume (Issue #)
315(11732)
Contact information
KM Burgher: School of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 874601, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.; E-mail address: kburgher@asu.edu
Summary

Elasmobranch bycatch significantly decreased in bottom-set gillnets in the Gulf of California using orange LEDs, ultraviolet LEDs, green LEDs, and green glow sticks, with orange LEDs being the most effective at reducing bycatch. As a whole, catch of bony fish was not affected by illumination, although responses were taxonomic-specific.  

Link
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320726000406

Field Studies

Artificial light reduces elasmobranch bycatch in gillnets across multiple wavelengths and taxonomic groups.

Study Type
Field study in the wild
Location
Gulf of California, Mexico
Target catch
Variety of bony fish, including spotted sand bass (Paralabrax maculatofasciatus) and California halibut ( Paralichthys californicus)
Effect on bycatch species
Decrease in elasmobranch bycatch ranging from 24-55%, with orange LEDs most effective at reducing bycatch.
Effect on target catch
Overall, there was no significant impact, but UV LEDs significantly decreased Siluriformes and Perciformes catch. Orange LEDs also reduced Siluriformes catch (not significantly).
Bycatch species
Elasmobranchs
Reduction technique
Visual deterrents
Fishing Gear
Gillnets