Improving the performance of a generic fisheye as a secondary bycatch reduction device in a south-eastern Australian penaeid-trawl fishery

Broadhurst, Matt K.; Millar, Russell B.

doi:10.1016/j.fishres.2022.106562

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 21 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…For example, gridded escape panels on nets have been successful in reducing flatfish bycatch whilst maintaining roundfish catch, due to the body shape of flatfish (Yu et al., 2023). Additionally, differences in swim speeds of target and bycatch species can be utilised when positioning BRDs on nets, to allow for bycatch escapement or avoidance (Breen et al., 2004; Broadhurst & Millar, 2023; He, 1993; Ryer, 2008).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The use of vision modelling to design bycatch reduction devices using light

Somerville,

Blount,

Stevens

2024

Fish and Fisheries

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Artificial light can be used to deter unwanted non‐target catch (bycatch) from fishing gear, which is thought to be achieved by repelling bycatch, or highlighting escape routes on nets. To select for responses in bycatch species, light should (1) cause the bycatch species to avoid capture, and (2) not invoke the same reaction in target species. One way to maximise the chance of a bycatch species responding to light is to ensure the light colour used is more visible to bycatch species. Some studies have considered the visual sensitivity of certain species to address this. In particular, the wavebands of light that a species is sensitive to. However, using this measurement alone is incomplete as it does not consider other factors that affect visibility, such as the ambient light spectrum, and wavelength‐dependant light attenuation in different water types and depths. To account for these variables, and to more accurately predict how both target and bycatch species view light colours in a fishing context, we used a model of the vision of commercially relevant species in fisheries across the world. From this, we show whether a light colour is more visible to a bycatch species compared to a target species in a particular depth and water type, and how modelling can be used to make informed assessments of the selection of relevant light colours in fishing. We also discuss the limitations of using vision models alone and the need for corresponding behaviour and/or fishing trials with lights.

show abstract