The effectiveness of a seal scarer at a wild salmon net fishery

Authors
Harris, R.N., Harris, C.M., Duck, C.D., Boyd, I.L.
Year
Journal/Publisher Name
ICES Journal of Marine Science
Volume (Issue #)
doi:10.1093/icesjms/fst216
Page #s
8
Contact information
rh18@st-andrews.ac.uk
Summary

An acoustic deterrent device (ADD) was tested at a Scottish salmon double bagnet to deter seals (grey (Halichoerus grypus) and harbor (Phoca vitulina)). The ADD was randomly assigned to be on or off during observations, which were carried out from shore. When the ADD was on, there were significantly fewer seals observed and 1/3 more fish were landed per hour than when the ADD was off. Seal damaged fish were only found when the ADD was off.   

Field Studies

The effectiveness of a seal scarer at a wild salmon net fishery

Study Type
Field study in the wild
Location
Scotland
Target catch
Salmon (Salmo spp.)
Effect on bycatch species
Significantly reduced seal presence
Effect on target catch
Significantly increased fish catch and no fish were damaged
Reduction technique
Fishing Gear