By catch mitigation technologies
Initial trials with a novel sound & light pinger (made mainly from recycled material available in developing countries) for dolphin and turtle bycatch mitigation in gillnets are currently being conducted at Newcastle University. This work initiative will be further developed and trialled during the project to come up with designs for economically viable mitigation technologies for use in developing nations.
Responsible partner/s:
Responsible partners for these competitions will be Dr Berggren and Dr Kiszka with the involvement of an MPhil student and Newcastle University responsible for testing the designs.
1. Trials of coastal gillnet bycatch mitigation techniques
Trial studies of pingers and other redesigned mitigation methods’ efficiency in reducing bycatch will be conducted in the Kenyan, Madagascan and Zanzibar fisheries. This will look at target catch and bycatch rates in unmodified gillnets (bottom set and driftnets) against commercially available pingers and other developed economically feasible mitigation methods (based on the developments in Activity 3.1) in coastal gillnet fisheries. Catches will be monitored by on-board observers and/or fishermen.
Geographic description:
Kenya, Madagascar and Zanzibar
Responsible partner/s:
Responsible partners for these mitigation field trails will be Dr Amir (leading), Dr Wambiji, Mr Perez, Ms Razafindrakoto and Mr Poonian, assisted by Dr Berggren, Dr Kiszka and the Newcastle University MPhil student.
2. Trials of coastal longline bycatch mitigation techniques
Trial studies of circle hook and other redesigned mitigation methods’ efficiency in reducing bycatch will be conducted in the Kenya and Zanzibar fisheries. Test target catch and bycatch rates in existing hooks against commercially available circle/J hooks and/or other developed economically feasible mitigation methods (based on the developments in Activity 3.1) in coastal longline fisheries. Catches will be monitored by on-board observers and/or fishermen.
Geographic description:
Kenya and Zanzibar.
3. Assessment of most suitable TED design
Prawn trawling industry in Madagascar is well developed. This project will adapt and test the most appropriate easy to use TED design cost effective and construction material, as used in TEDs in Madagascar based on epertise from the industry representatives (management and vessel captains.
Geographic description:
The activity will be conducted in Madagascar.
4. Trials of prawn trawl bycatch mitigation techniques
Trial studies of TED efficiency in reducing bycatch will be conducted in the Mozambique fishery to end up with recommendations. Rigorous TED testing on semi-industrial trawlers using a combination of Malagasy expertise (a trawler captain will be contracted) and on-board observers, with novel electronic monitoring if partner funding becomes available. The data will be used to undertake analysis of results to establish efficacy of the TED. Samples for biological and ecological parameters will be collected where appropriate (e.g. size; sex; gravidity; maturity; age – tooth samples, vertebrate) for demographic analysis to assess catch composition and any possible patterns/vulnerable groups within the population.
Geographic description:
Sofala Bank in Mozambique and compared to previous trials as appropriate.
Initial trials with a novel sound & light pinger (made mainly from recycled material available in developing countries) for dolphin and turtle bycatch mitigation in gillnets are currently being conducted at Newcastle University. This work initiative will be further developed and trialled during the project to come up with designs for economically viable mitigation technologies for use in developing nations.
Responsible partner/s:
Responsible partners for these competitions will be Dr Berggren and Dr Kiszka with the involvement of an MPhil student and Newcastle University responsible for testing the designs.
1. Trials of coastal gillnet bycatch mitigation techniques
Trial studies of pingers and other redesigned mitigation methods’ efficiency in reducing bycatch will be conducted in the Kenyan, Madagascan and Zanzibar fisheries. This will look at target catch and bycatch rates in unmodified gillnets (bottom set and driftnets) against commercially available pingers and other developed economically feasible mitigation methods (based on the developments in Activity 3.1) in coastal gillnet fisheries. Catches will be monitored by on-board observers and/or fishermen.
Geographic description:
Kenya, Madagascar and Zanzibar
Responsible partner/s:
Responsible partners for these mitigation field trails will be Dr Amir (leading), Dr Wambiji, Mr Perez, Ms Razafindrakoto and Mr Poonian, assisted by Dr Berggren, Dr Kiszka and the Newcastle University MPhil student.
2. Trials of coastal longline bycatch mitigation techniques
Trial studies of circle hook and other redesigned mitigation methods’ efficiency in reducing bycatch will be conducted in the Kenya and Zanzibar fisheries. Test target catch and bycatch rates in existing hooks against commercially available circle/J hooks and/or other developed economically feasible mitigation methods (based on the developments in Activity 3.1) in coastal longline fisheries. Catches will be monitored by on-board observers and/or fishermen.
Geographic description:
Kenya and Zanzibar.
3. Assessment of most suitable TED design
Prawn trawling industry in Madagascar is well developed. This project will adapt and test the most appropriate easy to use TED design cost effective and construction material, as used in TEDs in Madagascar based on epertise from the industry representatives (management and vessel captains.
Geographic description:
The activity will be conducted in Madagascar.
4. Trials of prawn trawl bycatch mitigation techniques
Trial studies of TED efficiency in reducing bycatch will be conducted in the Mozambique fishery to end up with recommendations. Rigorous TED testing on semi-industrial trawlers using a combination of Malagasy expertise (a trawler captain will be contracted) and on-board observers, with novel electronic monitoring if partner funding becomes available. The data will be used to undertake analysis of results to establish efficacy of the TED. Samples for biological and ecological parameters will be collected where appropriate (e.g. size; sex; gravidity; maturity; age – tooth samples, vertebrate) for demographic analysis to assess catch composition and any possible patterns/vulnerable groups within the population.
Geographic description:
Sofala Bank in Mozambique and compared to previous trials as appropriate.