The Bycatch Mitigation Hub

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Net binding

Gear modification

WHAT IS NET BINDING? Applicable to pelagic fisheries, net binding is the practice of binding sections of the net which pose the most...

Night Setting

Technique change

As the majority of seabirds are diurnal foragers, setting longlines at night is a proven and effective way of reducing seabird interactions with gear, reducing the chance of bycatch. This may also work for seals and cetaceans.

Reduce Deck Lighting

Technique change

Reduced deck lighting is the lowering and/or adaptation of artificial lighting on fishing vessels during hours of darkness, to reduce risk of attracting seabirds while operating at night.

Reduce Net Size

Gear modification

Reducing the size of nets in Chilean purse seine fisheries – in order to reduce the excess net that floats atop the water – has been trialled as a potential measure to reduce seabird bycatch.

Reduced Soak Time

Technique change

In fisheries that use static gear, reducing soak time in turn reduces the period in which sensitive species may encounter and interact with fishing gear, reducing the chance of them becoming entangled and/or bycaught.

Safe Handling of Bycatch

Technique change

Safe handling and release (SHR) of bycatch is the process of safely managing bycaught species, in an effort to reduce trauma and mortality.

Time & Area Management

Technique change

Time and area management refers to the temporary closure of fisheries in response to a high incidence of bycatch, a presence of endangered or sensitive marine species, seasonal breeding grounds, or important migration routes.

Mitigation Options

Net binding

Night Setting

Reduce Deck Lighting

Reduce Net Size

Reduced Soak Time

Safe Handling of Bycatch

Time & Area Management