Gear configuration - other

'Gear configuration - other' is a catch-all for changes in the deployment of fishing gear (aimed at reducing bycatch) that are not covered by other mitigation methods listed in this database. Examples include gear-switching and gear modification.

Gear switching refers to changing from a relatively high-threat to a relatively low-threat gear type, e.g., replacing gillnets with longlines to reduce cetacean bycatch, with the prospect of hauling in live or much fresher catch than gillnets with their longer soak time. This can increase the quality and price of catch in the market. [1]

Gear modifications are varied, e.g., decreasing the number of hooks between floats to decrease shark catch rates or using tie-downs to reduce the profile of a gillnet and create a more curved net shape vertically, with the aim of decreasing cetacean bycatch. [1]

  1. FAO (2020) Report of the Expert Meeting to Develop Technical Guidelines to Reduce Bycatch of Marine Mammals in Capture Fisheries. Rome, Italy, 17–19 September 2019. Fisheries and Aquaculture Report No. 1289. FAO, Rome, Italy