Cosgrove, R., Cronin, M., Reid, D., Gosch, M., Sheridan, M., Chopin N. and M. Jessopp

2013

Unknown

Seal depredation and bycatch in set net fisheries in Irish waters.

Co Dublin Ireland

Bord Iascaigh Mhara Fisheries Resource Series

Published

0

seals, bycatch, fisheries, depredation, mitigation

Interactions between seals and fisheries are thought to be increasing in Irish waters. Following requests by the Irish fishing industry to address this issue, a pilot observer programme was carried out in set net fisheries to update information on the level of interactions and identify potential mitigation measures. A total of 91 days at sea corresponding to 358 hauls and 1071 km of gear were observed on three vessels operating off the west and south west coasts over a one year period. Fisheries observed were gill nets for hake and pollack, trammel nets for turbot and tangle nets for crawfish and other species. The study included an assessment of the economic impact of depredation, investigation of factors affecting depredation and bycatch, as well as discussion of potential measures for mitigating and managing interactions.

BIM

ISBN 978-1-903412-48-0

Volume 10

1

39