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A 'simple anterior fish excluder' (SAFE) for mitigating penaeid-trawl bycatch
Matthew J McHugh1, Matt K Broadhurst2, David J Sterling3
1Marine and Estuarine Ecology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Plos One
|April 4, 2015
Summary
Simple anterior fish excluders (SAFEs) effectively reduce bycatch in penaeid trawls. This study shows SAFEs significantly decrease unwanted fish, particularly small teleosts, while maintaining target shrimp catches.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Fisheries science
- Conservation technology
Background:
- Penaeid trawling often results in substantial bycatch of non-target species, including teleosts.
- Reducing bycatch is crucial for sustainable fisheries management and marine ecosystem health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of simple anterior fish excluders (SAFEs) in reducing bycatch in penaeid trawls.
- To assess the impact of SAFEs on the catch of target penaeid shrimp and specific bycatch species.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of three SAFEs (wire, small panel, large panel) against a control using paired beam trawls.
- Testing of a redesigned continuous-plastic SAFE against a control using paired otter trawls.
- Quantification of bycatch reduction and impact on target catch for each SAFE design.
Main Results:
- The largest plastic SAFE reduced total bycatch by 51% and specific teleost species by up to 58%.
- The continuous-plastic SAFE reduced total bycatch by 28% and certain species by up to 42%.
- A minor reduction in target shrimp catch with the continuous-plastic SAFE was attributed to reduced gear spread and was rectifiable.
Conclusions:
- The SAFE concept demonstrates potential as an effective tool for improving penaeid trawl selectivity.
- Further research is needed to optimize SAFE designs and understand species-specific escape mechanisms.
- SAFEs offer a promising approach to mitigate bycatch in penaeid fisheries.
