Introduction
Commercial fishing is an essential industry that provides a significant portion of the world’s seafood supply. However, certain fishing techniques can have detrimental effects on marine ecosystems, particularly through the unintentional capture of non-targeted species, known as bycatch. Bycatch can lead to the depletion of vulnerable species and disrupt the balance of marine ecosystems. In this article, we will explore which commercial fishing technique is associated with excessive bycatch.
Trawling: A Major Culprit
One commercial fishing technique that is often associated with excessive bycatch is trawling. Trawling involves dragging a large net, known as a trawl, along the seabed or through the water column to catch fish or shellfish. While trawling is an efficient method for catching large quantities of target species, it also captures a wide range of non-targeted marine organisms.
Impact on Marine Ecosystems: Trawling can have devastating effects on marine ecosystems due to the high levels of bycatch it generates. The net used in trawling is not selective, meaning it catches everything in its path. This can include juvenile fish, endangered species, and even non-fish species such as turtles, dolphins, and seabirds. The indiscriminate nature of trawling can lead to the depletion of vulnerable species and disrupt the food chain.
Efforts to Mitigate Bycatch: Recognizing the environmental impact of trawling, various measures have been implemented to mitigate bycatch. These include the use of turtle excluder devices (TEDs) to prevent the capture of sea turtles, the modification of fishing gear to reduce bycatch, and the establishment of marine protected areas to safeguard vulnerable habitats.
Other Fishing Techniques and Bycatch
While trawling is often associated with excessive bycatch, it is not the only fishing technique that poses challenges in this regard. Other fishing techniques can also result in significant bycatch, although the extent may vary depending on factors such as location, target species, and fishing practices. Some of these techniques include:
Gillnetting: Gillnetting involves the use of a net that hangs vertically in the water, capturing fish by entangling them in the mesh. However, gillnets can also unintentionally catch non-targeted species, including marine mammals, seabirds, and turtles.
Longlining: Longlining is a method that uses a long line with baited hooks to catch fish. While longlining is often used to target specific species, it can also catch other marine animals, such as seabirds, sharks, and sea turtles, which may become hooked or entangled.
Purse Seining: Purse seining involves encircling a school of fish with a large net and then drawing the bottom of the net closed, like a purse. While purse seining is generally considered a more selective fishing method, it can still result in the capture of non-targeted species, especially if they are present in the same area as the target fish.
Conclusion
Among various commercial fishing techniques, trawling is often associated with excessive bycatch due to its indiscriminate nature. However, it is important to note that other fishing techniques can also result in significant bycatch, albeit to varying degrees. Efforts to mitigate bycatch, such as the use of selective fishing gear and the establishment of protected areas, are crucial to minimize the impact on marine ecosystems and preserve biodiversity.
References
– Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2021). Bycatch management measures and technologies: A global overview. Retrieved from fao.org
– National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (n.d.). Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program. Retrieved from noaa.gov
– World Wildlife Fund. (n.d.). Bycatch. Retrieved from worldwildlife.org
