Development of eel bycatch and reduction devices in passive gears

Authors
Van Mens, A., and Jorn School
Year
Journal/Publisher Name
Wageningen Marine Research Report
Volume (Issue #)
C107/25A
Contact information
N/A
Summary

The study investigated methods to decrease glass eel bycatch in spieringkamers (“smelt chamber”) gear. Several gear designs were tested - “ring with covering net”, “U-shaped PVC pipe”, and “slit design.” All three designs led to high levels of eel escapement, ranging from 70.1% in the ring design to 84.3% in the U-shaped PVC design. However, larger eels did not seem to be able to escape the PVC gear.  

Link
https://edepot.wur.nl/705566

Field Studies

Development of eel bycatch and reduction devices in passive gears

Study Type
Study in the lab
Location
North Sea Canal, Netherlands
Target catch
Lobster, crab, smelt
Effect on bycatch species
All three designs led to high levels of eel escapement, ranging from 70.1% in the ring design to 84.3% in the U-shaped PVC design. However, larger eels did not seem to be able to escape the PVC gear.
Effect on target catch
Not tested
Reduction technique
Trap-net modification
Fishing Gear
Traps