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Longlining sector tests system to avoid bycatch
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Swordfish catch with longlining gear. (Photo: Stock File)
Longlining sector tests system to avoid bycatch
SPAIN
Wednesday, July 02, 2014, 03:50 (GMT + 9)
Galicia participates in a European project which aims to provide tools to achieve sustainable tuna and swordfish fishing, and reduce shark and ray bycatch.
The initiative, called Reduced sea turtle and elasmobranch catches in the Spanish Atlantic and Straits area, brings together the Chelonia Association, the Biodiversity Foundation, the European Fisheries Fund, the Port of Vigo and Xunta de Galicia.
In addition, the Cooperative of Shipowners of Vigo, the Organization of Longliners of A Guarda, the Association of Marin and authorities in Andalusia participated.
The preliminary data presented at a conference on conservation of marine species organized in Vigo indicate that magnet hooks help reduce the catch of unwanted or protected species, Diario Atlantico reported.
According to Manuel Merchan, general coordinator of the Chelonia Association, “industry collaboration is complete, but sometimes having observers onboard is an inconvenience. However, a project like this is impossible without its cooperation as well as that of the Port”.
The research is carried out onboard fishing vessels with trawling and longlining gear.
With representatives of the administrations, the University of Vigo and the fishing industry who participated in the conference organized by the Chelonia Association and Biodiversity Foundation, Alvaro Barros, of the Department of Ecology and Animal Biology of the university, called for the launch of measures to reduce seabird mortality risks in commercial fisheries.
For his part, the representative of the Coordinator for the Study of Marine Mammals (CEMMA), Pablo Covelo, pointed out the main threat to cetaceans in Galicia is bycatch.
Currently, there are 22 registered cetacean species in Galicia and since 1990 there have been 20 strandings, from the blue whale to the small porpoise, although the most common one is that of the common dolphin.
Furthermore, Alfredo Lopez of CEMMA said that in Galician waters there are five species of sea turtles, which are affected by fishing activities.
Meanwhile, Carlos Botana, responsible for environment of the Port Authority of Vigo, highlighted the role of the organization in several research projects related to fisheries sustainability.
“The rescue of dolphins, sea turtles, sea lions and several bird species are particular cases of practical examples of collaboration undertaken over recent years,” he concluded, according to the newspaper La Voz de Galicia.
Related article:
– The moon influences loggerhead turtle bycatch
By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com
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