Testing methods for improving pre-catch identification and survival rates of unwanted catches in purse-seine fisheries.
MINOUW partner & Lead scientist:
CCMAR (Centro de Ciências do Mar do Algarve), Jorge M.S. Gonçalves
Fishing method and species:
Purse-seine (16mm mesh size). Species targeted are Sardine, Atlantic Chub Mackerel and Horse Mackerel.
What activities did the MINOUW project carry out?
- Testing different methods for improving pre-catch identification.
- Testing different slipping methods in order to enhance survival rates of released fish.
- Evaluating the survival rates of fish that escape when using these methods.
- Using a participatory approach to promote this research in association with stakeholders; namely fisheries associations and fisheries administrations.
What outcomes were expected?
- To minimise unwanted catches by incentivising the adoption of fishing practices and technologies to purse seining that reduce pre-harvest mortality and post-harvest discards, by:
- Improving pre-catch identification.
- Enhancing the survival of unwanted catches.
- Promoting stakeholders’ participation.
Results
The results of this survival assessment demonstrate that using a modified slipping technique during purse seine operations may significantly improve survival of slipped pelagic fish as well as decreasing scale loss of escapees.