Evidence of Dolphin Bycatch Reduction With Upcycled Plastic Bottles Acoustic Reflectors Attached to Bottom-Set Gillnets

Authors
Sucunza, F., Barth, A., Danielwicz, D., Dolman, S., von Fersen, L., Larre, G.G., Mangel, J.C., Ott, P.H., Alfaro-Shigueto, J.A., Temple, A.J., Tregenza, N., and Berggren, P.
Year
Journal/Publisher Name
Marine Mammal Science
Volume (Issue #)
42(3)
Page #s
e70189
Contact information
Federico Sucunza: fsucunza@gmail.com
Summary

This study evaluated the effectiveness of using plastic drink bottles as low-cost acoustic reflectors to reduce franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) bycatch in bottom-set trammel nets and gillnets off of southern Brazil. The bottles achieved an 88% reduction in dolphin bycatch per unit effort compared to control nets. In addition, the bottles had no significant impact on commercial target species catch (by weight). 

Link
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/mms.70189

Field Studies

Evidence of Dolphin Bycatch Reduction With Upcycled Plastic Bottles Acoustic Reflectors Attached to Bottom-Set Gillnets

Study Type
Field study in the wild
Location
Torres and Passo de Torres, Brazil
Target catch
Not specified
Effect on bycatch species
88% reduction in franciscana dolphin bycatch
Effect on target catch
No significant change in target catch weight
Bycatch species
Pontoporia blainvillei (Franciscana dolphin)
Reduction technique
Acoustic deterrent devices
Fishing Gear
Gillnets and Entangling Nets