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Reducing bycatch impacts in recreational fisheries: Case study examining terminal tackle in the multispecies Gulf of Maine groundfish fishery
Author(s) -
Capizzano Connor W.,
Zemeckis Douglas R.,
Jones Emily A.,
Hoffman William S.,
Dean Micah J.,
Ayer Matthew H.,
Ribblett Nate,
Mandelman John W.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
fisheries management and ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.693
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1365-2400
pISSN - 0969-997X
DOI - 10.1111/fme.12480
Subject(s) - bycatch , haddock , groundfish , fishery , gadus , discards , hook , fishing , gadidae , recreational fishing , catch per unit effort , fisheries management , atlantic cod , fish <actinopterygii> , biology , engineering , structural engineering
Terminal tackle regulations can be a valuable tool for fisheries management, especially in multispecies fisheries where bycatch and discards are common issues. In the Gulf of Maine, recreational anglers frequently discard critically depleted Atlantic cod Gadus morhua L. as bycatch when targeting the abundant haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus (L.) stock. The present study investigated species catch composition, catch rates and animal welfare across various terminal tackle setups, and aspects of capture and handling with the goal of reducing bycatch and discard mortality. Overall, 2558 cod and 4266 haddock were captured with six terminal tackle setups in the western Gulf of Maine from April to October 2018. Along with angler experience and capture depth, lure type primarily influenced species catch composition and catch‐per‐unit‐effort; hook types additionally influenced hook‐removal times and physical injuries to fish. Results indicate that using baited hooks can both promote haddock catch and reduce cod bycatch, with specific hook types promoting increased survival.