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The effect of LED lights on trap catches in Finnish inland fisheries
Author(s) -
Ruokonen Timo J.,
Keskinen Tapio,
Luoma Mikael,
Leskelä Ari,
Suuronen Petri
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.12482
Subject(s) - perch , fishery , rutilus , trap (plumbing) , fishing , bycatch , fish <actinopterygii> , light pollution , environmental science , geography , biology , physics , optics , environmental engineering
Trap fisheries can provide catches of high quality, and unwanted bycatch can be released with high survival. Light attraction could be an effective way of increasing trap catches, but research results are largely lacking. Experiments to test the effect of LED lights in trap‐net fishing were conducted in two Finnish lakes where fishing targeted Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis L. and roach Rutilus rutilus (L.). LED lights (white, green, red, blue and combinations) were attached inside the traps. The use of LED lights did not increase fish CPUE. Contrary to expectation, Eurasian perch catches were higher in traps without LED lights. Significant variation in CPUEs was observed, but without interaction with light treatments. The LED lights tested in this study do not increase the effectiveness of trap fishery targeting Eurasian perch and roach in Finnish lakes in the ice‐free season.