The purpose of the Hub
With many approaches to bycatch mitigation, each tailored to specific gear types and wildlife species, the world of bycatch mitigation can be difficult to navigate. To address this, the Clean Catch Bycatch Mitigation Hub (or just “the Hub”):
- Hosts information about bycatch mitigation measures for marine mammals, seabirds, sharks, skates, and rays in one place, searchable by gear type, species, and mitigation type.
- Provides a comprehensive overview of mitigation measures that have been trialled anywhere in the world, whether or not they have been found effective, and whether widely used or still in early stages of development.
- Acts as a common reference point for stakeholders working or interested in bycatch mitigation of sensitive marine species.
- Provides a starting point for further investigation by users.
Please note that the summaries of the mitigation measures are impartial and do not represent the views of Clean Catch.
Where the information on the Hub comes from
- External research papers published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- “Grey literature” sources considered to be credible, including international organisations such as the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) and open-source websites such as the Bycatch Mitigation Information System (BMIS) and the Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction.
- Clean Catch’s work with fishermen in the Southwest of England to trial monitoring and mitigation measures.
Updating the information on the Hub
We periodically review new research on bycatch mitigation measures, and update the summaries on the Hub in response, as and when new information emerges.
We welcome comments from all users, whether to draw our attention to new knowledge or to the usability of the Hub. Please email us at secretariat@cleancatchuk.com.