Assessing the factors influencing discard mortality of demersal fishes using a semi-quantitative indicator of survival potential

Published source details Benoît H.P., Hurlbut T. & Chassé J. (2010) Assessing the factors influencing discard mortality of demersal fishes using a semi-quantitative indicator of survival potential. Fisheries Research, 106, 436-447.
Share Tweet Email

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Use hook and line fishing instead of other commercial fishing methods Action Link

Use hook and line fishing instead of other commercial fishing methods

A replicated, controlled study in 2005–2006 of a fished area of seabed in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada (Benoît et al. 2010) found that hook and line gears (longlines and handlines) resulted in greater vitality (indicator of survival potential) of discarded fish in a bottom (groundfish) fishery compared to other fishing gear types. Across all species, the proportion of fish with the highest vitality score (i.e. in overall better condition) was greater in hook and line fisheries (65–95%) compared to trawl and seine gears (10–68%) and gillnets (30%) (see paper for species individual data). Data were collected during the commercial groundfish seasons in 2005 and 2006 (months not reported) in the Gulf of St Lawrence. Four fishing gear types were compared: handlines, bottom-set longlines, mobile bottom gears (trawls and Danish and Scottish seines) and gillnets. Vitality of captured fish was visually assessed and scored (see paper for description of criteria) by observers onboard fishing vessels.

(Summarised by: Khatija Alliji)