A field experiment using acoustic alarms (pingers) to reduce harbour porpoise by-catch in bottom-set gillnets

Authors
Carlstrom, J., P. Berggren, F. Dinnetz, and P. Borjesson
Year
Journal/Publisher Name
ICES Journal of Marine Science
Volume (Issue #)
59
Page #s
816-824
Summary
Pingers were tested to reduce harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) bycatch in bottom-set gillnets in the Swedish Skagerrak Sea. During the experiment, no harbour porpoise were caught in control or experimental gillnets, possibly as a result of a combination of factors including displacement of porpoise, high prey availability in other areas, or pingers acting as passive reflectors. Pingers did not affect the catch of target species, including cod and pollock.

Field Studies

A field experiment using acoustic alarms (pingers) to reduce harbour porpoise by-catch in bottom-set gillnets

Study Type
Field study in the wild
Location
Sweden
Target catch
Cod and pollock
Effect on bycatch species
No bycatch in nets with or without pingers
Effect on target catch
Did not affect target catch
Reduction technique
Fishing Gear