Status Report on the Potential of Gear Modifications to Reduce Finfish Bycatch inShrimp Trawls in the Southeastern United States, 1990-1992

摘要

The status report presents data from scuba diver evaluations and bycatchreduction/shrimp retention test results for prototype bycatch reduction device (BRD) designs. It is intended to document research results to date, and to stimulate new gear development. Included in the report are descriptions, diagrammatic drawings, and diver evaluation comments for 39 bycatch reduction device designs. Fish bycatch reduction and shrimp retention data are presented for 30 prototype BRD designs. A discussion of fish and shrimp behavior in trawls and in response to bycatch reduction devices is also included. Thirty design combinations have been tested on commercial fishing grounds. Of these, 12 have demonstrated overall fish bycatch reduction rates between 43% and 67% and 7 had shrimp retention rates between 90% and 100%.