Summary
The PearlNet aims to mitigate odontocete bycatch in bottom-set gillnets by enhancing the acoustic visibility of nets through the incorporation of small, acrylic glass spheres. This study found that PearlNet performed similarly to standard nets in terms of catch efficiency and handling time of gear. Performance of the gear in reducing marine mammal bycatch was not assessed during this study, however, no mammal bycatch was reported.