The efficacy of illumination to reduce bycatch of eulachon and groundfishes before trawl capture in the eastern North Pacific ocean shrimp fishery

Authors
Lomeli, M. J., Groth, S. D., Blume, M. T., Herrmann, B., and W.W. Wakefield
Year
Journal/Publisher Name
Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Volume (Issue #)
77(1)
Page #s
44-54
Contact information
Mark J.M. Lomeli
1-541-867-0544
mlomeli@psmfc.org
Summary

This study examined the extent that eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus) and groundfishes escape trawls in response to artificial illumination. Using a double-rigged trawler, catch efficiencies were compared for ocean shrimp, eulachon, and groundfishes between an unilluminated trawl and a trawl illuminated with five green LEDs along its fishing line. Results showed a significant reduction in the bycatch of eulachon and yellowtail rockfish (Sebastes flavidus) in the presence of illumination. However, the illuminated trawl caught similarly or significantly more rockfish (Sebastes spp.) and flatfish than the unilluminated trawl.

Link
https://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/10.1139/cjfas-2018-0497

Field Studies

The efficacy of illumination to reduce bycatch of eulachon and groundfishes before trawl capture in the eastern North Pacific ocean shrimp fishery

Study Type
Field study in the wild
Location
Oregon, USA
Target catch
Ocean shrimp (Pandalus jordani)
Effect on bycatch species
Illumination reduced bycatch of eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus) and yellowtail rockfish (Sebastes flavidus), but did not result in significant changes in the bycatch of other rockfish (Sebastes spp.) and flatfish
Effect on target catch
No change in average catch efficiency or length-dependent catch efficiency.
Bycatch species
Bony Fishes
Reduction technique
Visual deterrents
Fishing Gear
Trawls